Hilton housing expansion 'good thing for village'

A BID to change the face of a Teesdale village has been submitted to planners.

Lord Barnard has applied to create nine properties at Hilton Hall Farm, in Hilton – the biggest housing development for many years.

Existing barns will be converted into five dwellings with four new homes also built if plans are given the green light.

Hilton Hall Farm is part of the Marwood Estate, run by Raby Estates, adjoining the grounds of grade II-listed Hilton Hall.

The village itself sits in a conservation area.

A design and access statement on behalf of Lord Barnard said the scheme would “mirror the surrounding buildings” and be appropriate to its setting.

It added: “Overall it is believed that there will be no negative impact on the heritage assets, both listed and non-listed existing buildings.

Further to this the scheme will improve and preserve the existing barns for years to come.”

Villager Kimberly Raper said she had no problem with the plan.

“It’s better than it just being left on its own,” she added.

“Where we live used to be an outbuilding and we’ve had a new family move in next door. It’s lovely that they’re all part of the village.

“It would get more people into the village.”

The estate has proposed demolishing the existing cattle shed off Hilton Hall Lane and building four family homes on the site with access via a private road with a new entrance and exit.

Pre-application advice sought from Durham County Council officers suggested these four homes should “mirror the agricultural vernacular” of the existing shed.

Warren Lucas, who moved to Hilton 18 months ago from Gainford, said: “As long as it look sympathetic and there isn’t massive disruption from traffic backlogs up and down the village, it’s fine.”

If accepted, all the houses will each have private gardens.

Comments on the application can be made to Durham County Council planners until October 30.