Eldon Whins is Natural Expansion
At last Wednesday’s meeting The Town Council discussed the future of land formerly occupied by Elmfield School, now demolished. Durham County Council propose to sell the land for housing and this was thought to be acceptable as long as the houses were bungalows from a £½million put aside for affordable homes.
The Council heard of proposals to build a Community Centre on the site, but some considered this unwanted as previous centres received little local support – in fact Greenfield Hall was converted to a church.
Counc Gray thought there would be a demand for a school again in that area as there was a general shortage of student places in the town.
The Leader Bob Fleming said if there was a demand it would come from the east of the town where 900 new homes were to be built. He also mentioned that Vane Road School was past its sell by date and as the building contained asbestos needed to be modernised. The report was accepted with a request the Elmfield site be used for building bungalows.
Discussion followed on the Durham County Local Plan relating to the development of 900 houses at Copelaw which Cllr Fleming said would have massive implications, taking houses as far south as Ayclife Village. It was agreed to invite the DCC Chief Planning Officer to address the Council to explain the proposals.
A heated debate followed over the changes of boundaries for The Chesnuts and Eldon Whins. Previously the council were keen to bring these two areas within Great Aycliffe, but objections from both Councils, in whose parish they are currently located, are being raised.
It was accepted that an argument with Heighington and Darlington over the Chesnuts would be a long process and should not be persued at this time. However Eldon Whins was not even built yet and as it was in the original Aycliffe Master Plan it should be reviewed under Community Governance procedures.
When built the residents of Eldon Whins would be using Aycliffe’s infrastructure, environment and resources and to affect community cohesion they should come naturally within the Great Aycliffe boundary. The alternative would leave Middridge and Eldon Whins separated by two large fields.
Counc. Clare was alone in opposing this view and thought it wrong to cause harm to our relationship with Middridge and fight them on this issue.
Counc Adam in proposing the motion said he did not want to upset anyone but this is a legal process which the Town Council have a duty to pursue.