Developer told to clean up its act over muddy road mess in Green Lane, Barnard Castle

Developers in Barnard Castle have been accused of flouting planning rules and making residents’ lives a “nightmare”.

Muddy roads in Green Lane are causing concern for many living on the street, which is the main access to a new 62-home estate being built. Residents say they are sick of having to pay to get their cars washed.
Others claim it is dangerous for children going to Green Lane Primary School.
Durham County Council has said that action may be considered against the developer, David Wilson Homes, if wheel washing equipment isn’t used on the construction lorries.
Resident Jo Campin said: “It is a nightmare and there is a long way to go yet.
“The further you go up towards the entrance to the site, the thicker the mud gets. It is the yellow limestone they have put down on top of the soil for the lorries to drive over so they don’t sink. A road sweeper has been going down all day but it is not making any difference. There are planning permission rules that they are flouting badly.
“There must be a dozen lorries coming down this road every hour.
“It is like Russian roulette when the kids come out of school and the lorries are going past.”
Durham County Council imposed a number of conditions on the site when approval was granted in 2014.
These included the developers having wheel washing equipment so site vehicles are “cleansed of mud so that mud is not trailed onto the public carriageway”. The conditions state: “The wheel washing equipment shall be used on all vehicles leaving the site during the period of construction works throughout all development activities on any part of the site.”
However, residents believe that this rule is not being adhered to.
Resident and parent Mike Dack said: “As I take my son to school I am getting fed up with the state of my car.
“That road leading to both the development and the school is constantly covered in mud. Today was worse because it was wet.
“The roadsweeper was out but it did not make any difference whatsoever. Are they going to pay for a car wash every day?
“I normally do once a week simply because I take pride in my car.”
Durham County Council’s planning development manager, Stephen Reed, said: “It is a condition of the planning permission to have wheel washing equipment at the site and our planning enforcement team have contacted the developers to ensure that this is implemented.
“We will be monitoring the situation closely and, if necessary, will consider action to ensure conditions are complied with.”
Working hours on site was also an issue raised by residents. Ms Campin said: “They are supposed to give it a break at school times.
“It is a danger to the school and the kids. Green Lane is a beautiful and quiet street overlooking The Bowes Museum. It is idyllic. I love living here but this is hellish.”
One resident said: “They are starting before school times. They need to keep away at peak times.”
Another person added: “The wagon drivers are doing their job. It is not their fault. If anything, the fault is with Durham County Council planning because they okayed this.”
Green Lane Primary School’s business manager, Anthea Enzor, said: “We have not had any problems as a school but we are working with the contractors so that if any parents do have a problem, they just need to contact the school.”
Durham County Council say there are no restrictions on working hours but they have made the developer aware of concerns.
There have also been reports of damage to the road. Residents suggested that construction traffic should access the site via Mount Eff Road from Darlington Road.
A spokesperson for David Wilson Homes said: “As a responsible house builder we are committed to minimising disruption to the communities in which we build.
“Our subcontractor is currently carrying out earthworks which will form the site levels and significantly reduce vehicle movements once complete. We have also implemented a stipulation with our buyers meaning that site deliveries are avoided during school drop off and pick up times to minimise additional traffic during busy periods.”