'Protect town land – or risk it being built on'

LAND next to the former police station in Barnard Castle could become another of the town’s greens – if local councillors can convince county officials it has been used for recreation for at least 20 years.

The former police station at Bede Kirk is up for sale and Barnard Castle Town Council is keen not to lose the open area next to it.

Earlier this year, members successfully applied for trees at Bede Kirk to be covered by protection orders.

But while applauding the move, former town councillor Thom Robinson said this alone would not protect the area from possible development in the future.

In a letter to the council he said: “It is my understanding that many members consider this ‘job done’ in respect of protecting not only the trees but also the space from development.

“I’m afraid this is not the case. Tree protection may serve to protect a tree while it exists in a space, but any tree that becomes affected by a development proposal may simply be removed or built around if that scheme acquires planning permission.”

Mr Robinson added: “This important space deserves protection for the enjoyment of future generations. This can be achieved through a common land or village green application.”

With the old police station site up for sale, he urged town councillors to consider the issue as a matter of urgency before any planning application was lodged.

Town councillors were told there was still a “window of opportunity” to register the area and clerk Michael King confirmed there had so far been no “trigger event” for Bede Kirk, such as a planning application.

He explained that the rules for registering an area as a town or village green meant the applicant must show the land has been used by a significant number of local people for recreation as of right.

He said recreational use could include activities such as dog walking. Cllr John Blissett thanked Mr Robinson for highlighting the situation.

“I think we should go forward with this. The sooner we strike the more chance we have of retaining it,” he said.

Councillors agreed and urged anyone who has regularly used the area over the years to come forward and support the application, which will be made to Durham County Council as the commons registration authority.

More details are available from the town council office at Woodleigh, on Scar Top.