Contents

Region 1 Introduction 3

2 Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau 10 2.1 General comments about the area 10 2.2 Landscape 11 2.3 open spaces 12 2.4 Flood risk and water quality 14 2.5 Ecology 16

3 Seaham 20

4 Peterlee 28

5 Secondary and tertiary settlements 36 5.1 Blackhall 36 5.2 Chilton 38 5.3 Easington 40 5.4 Ferryhill 44 5.5 Fishburn 47 5.6 Murton 49 5.7 Shotton 51 5.8 Thornley and Wheatley Hill 53 5.9 Wingate 57

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Introduction 1

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 2 Introduction 1

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans

1.1 The GI Implementation Plans are intended to translate the recommendations of the Durham County Council Green Infrastructure Strategy (2012) into actions. They will achieve this by:

Detailed analysis of environmental qualities and issues, taking into consideration studies carried out by the Council and its partners, such as the Environment Agency, Natural England and neighbouring authorities Identification of priorities and mitigation/ amelioration measures, either as general objectives or, where appropriate, as specific projects Discussion of planned development in the County in the period covered by the forthcoming County Durham Plan (until 2030); suggesting, for each allocated development site, how green infrastructure might be incorporated within the site, and what improvements should be made to the quantity, quality and management of green infrastructure in the area.

Structure of the Implementation Plans

1.2 Because the County is large and diverse, some form of breakdown is required in order to make meaningful locationally-specific recommendations. The GI Strategy breaks the County down into Area Action Partnership areas – the 14 areas within which community partnerships exist to bring organisations into contact with communities.

1.3 However, the Implementation Plans break the county down into Natural Character Areas - the areas within which similar environmental characteristics can be observed, often relating to their underlying geology. This was deemed to be the most appropriate approach because policies relating to GI will tend to relate to an area’s environmental qualities, and , therefore, are best planned across natural areas. Furthermore, the social and economic geography of County Durham have been dictated to a great extent by those natural characteristics: the most striking example, of course, being the way in which the location of communities, their appearance and their economic fortunes in recent years have been dictated by the presence and the marketability of coal.

1.4 There are five National Character Areas within County Durham and each will have their own individual implementation plan:

Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau Tyne and Wear Lowlands Durham Coalfield Pennine Fringe North Pennines Pennine Dales Fringe & Tees Lowlands (Combined into one section)

1.5 Within the discussion relating to each NCA, an initial discussion of the environmental, social and economic characteristics of the area in general is followed by a focused discussion of characteristics, priorities, projects and planning proposals at settlement level. These focus on those settlements identified as Main Towns and Secondary Settlements in the 2012 Settlement Study, together with tertiary settlements where appropriate – either where there are development allocations within them, or where they have functional characteristics which make them locally significant.

Green Infrastructure Planning in County Durham

1.6 The NPPF defines “green infrastructure” as “A network of multi-functional green space, urban and rural, which is capable of delivering a wide range of environmental and quality of life benefits for local communities”. It states that Local Planning Authorities should “set out a strategic approach …planning positively for the creation, protection, enhancement and management of networks of biodiversity and green infrastructure.”

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 3 1 Introduction

1.7 The 2012 Green Infrastructure (GI) Strategy for County Durham discussed the qualities and benefits of the non-built environment specifically with reference to its functions. These, it found, could be grouped under the following headings:

Access and recreation – acting as a place for sports, play, walking and other activities and as a means for getting from A to B via walking and cycling Agriculture – providing food and other crops Biodiversity and geodiversity – providing habitats for wildlife; manifesting the County’s geological heritage through land and rock formations Economic development – supporting the economy by improving the image and “liveability” of places; supporting industries such as tourism and farming which depend on green spaces Energy – providing an energy resource in terms of biomass, hydro-electric and wind power. Health and wellbeing – supporting healthy lifestyles by providing venues for exercise; improving mental health Landscape – helping to define the character of different types of landscape Townscape – making towns and villages better places to live because they include gardens, parks, street trees and other features which improve appearance and regulate the climate of the urban environment Trees, woodland and forestry – supporting the forestry industry; providing woodland as a habitat and recreational resource Water supply, drainage and flood control – managing water resources by retaining and slowly releasing water, thus safeguarding against flood and drought.

1.8 Under each of these headings, the Strategy identified policies, priorities and other actions for the development of green infrastructure in the County (listed below). The Strategy then went on to map and discuss the environmental characteristics of the County. It identified the strategic GI network, ecological networks and priority areas for improvement. Within each AAP area, it listed potential planning policies, priorities and other actions for GI improvement.

Thematic policies, priorities and other actions for the development of green infrastructure in the County

Recreation

Ref Description

R1 Resisting development that would have an adverse impact on existing open spaces

R2 Improving poor-quality open spaces

R3 Addressing imbalances in typology

R4 Ensuring good management of all open spaces, including recreational spaces, wildlife sites, and woodlands

R5 Requiring new development to incorporate adequate good-quality open space, or improve or create open spaces nearby, as appropriate

R6 Requiring new built development and GI to be interlinked to existing open spaces, rights of way and the wider countryside

R7 Protecting and enhancing the existing Access and Rights of Way network

R8 Promoting and improving national pedestrian and cycle routes

4 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Introduction 1

R9 Providing information on open spaces and rights of way

R10 Seeking and supporting community management of open spaces

R11 Implementing the Coastal Access Duty in collaboration with Natural England

Agriculture

Ref Description

A1 Resisting development on the best or most versatile agricultural land.

A2 Supporting agricultural diversification

A3 Promoting agri-environment schemes

A4 Promoting sustainable local food production

Landscape

Ref Description

T1 Ensuring good design in new green infrastructure, taking account of townscape, landscape and the need to protect and improve the image of areas

L1 Resisting development proposals that would have a significant detrimental effect on landscape quality, landscape conservation areas or designated landscapes

L2 Supporting development proposals that would improve landscape quality

L3 Focusing improvement on the urban fringes to create attractive settings for settlements

L4 Supporting landscape-scale delivery partnerships

L5 Promoting and supporting the County Durham Landscape Guidelines.

Biodiversity

Ref Description

R4 Ensuring good management of all open spaces, including recreational spaces, wildlife sites, and woodlands

R6 Requiring new built development and GI to be interlinked to existing open spaces and the wider countryside

Ec2 Mitigating the environmental impacts of development and economic activity, including increased visitor numbers on protected sites

B1 Protecting wildlife sites designated at European, national or local level, and UK and Durham Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority habitats and species.

B2 Defining important habitats, landscapes and geological sites, and protected sites

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 5 1 Introduction

B3 Resisting development and other land use changes where they may have adverse effects on protected or ecologically sensitive habitats or priority species, or would cause fragmentation of green corridors or habitat networks.

B4 Reconnecting habitats: protecting and enhancing green spaces within or adjacent to mapped ecological networks and protected sites

B5 Requiring new development to ensure an overall net gain in habitat.

Culture and heritage

Ref Description

C1 Defining historically- and culturally- significant landscapes and artefacts

C2 Enhancing sites which are known to be of cultural or historic interest, and the settings of historic buildings and designations

C3 Resisting development or changes of use that would have a significant detrimental effect upon green infrastructure features of cultural or historic significance.

C5 Providing information on the cultural and historic aspects of the non-built environment

C6 Supporting initiatives which connect people to their environment

Health and wellbeing

Ref Description

R1 Resisting development that would have an adverse impact on existing open spaces

R5 Requiring new development to incorporate adequate good-quality open space, or improve or create open spaces nearby, as appropriate

R6 Requiring new built development and GI to be interlinked to existing open spaces and the wider countryside

R7 Protecting and enhancing the existing Access and Rights of Way network

H1 Working with partner organisations with an interest in public health with reference to green infrastructure

H2 Supporting the implementation of health-related council Strategies and Plans

Economic development

Ref Description

T1 Ensuring good design in new green infrastructure, taking account of townscape, landscape and the need to protect and improve the image of areas

T3 Using well-planned green infrastructure to improve urban areas and support regeneration

6 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Introduction 1

Ec1 Protecting and enhancing the environment and setting of tourist attractions and scenic areas

Ec2 Mitigating the environmental impacts of economic activity

Ec3 Using green infrastructure to deliver ecosystem services

Ec4 Supporting land-based industries such as agriculture and forestry

Ec5 Prioritising improvement projects where deprivation correlates with poor living environments

Energy

Ref Description

En1 Identifying suitable sites for the production of woodfuel

En2 Supporting the development of biomass as a fuel, especially in off-gas areas, using locally-sourced fuels

1.9 Townscape

Ref Description

R6 Requiring new built development and GI to be interlinked to existing open spaces and the wider countryside

T1 Ensuring good design in new green infrastructure, taking account of townscape, landscape and the need to protect and improve the image of areas

T2 Protecting elements of existing green infrastructure which are important to townscape

T3 Using well-planned green infrastructure to improve urban areas and support regeneration

Trees

Ref Description

Ec4 Supporting land-based industries such as agriculture and forestry

R4 Ensuring good management of all open spaces, including recreational spaces, wildlife sites, and woodlands

Tr1 Resisting development that would have a detrimental effect upon trees and woodland, particularly ancient woodland and urban trees

Tr2 Requiring new woodlands to be planted, where appropriate, in restoration of minerals extractionor landfill sites

Tr3 Implementing the County Durham Woodland Strategy and supporting the work of the Durham Hedgerow Partnership and Durham Veteran Tree Project.

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 7 1 Introduction

Tr4 Removing plantations in sensitive areas, such as blanket bog and historic landscapes, where appropriate

Tr5 Protecting urban trees from damage caused by engineering works and other adjacent development.

Water supply, drainage and flood control

Ref Description

W1 Requiring Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems to be implemented, where appropriate, in new development

W2 Resisting development that would have a significant detrimental effect upon aquatic biodiversity or water quality.

W3 Creating new wetland habitats and ponds where possible and appropriate.

W4 Conserving and restoring the County's peatlands, wetlands, watercourses, ponds and reservoirs

W5 Creating green infrastructure as a water management tool

8 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau 2

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 9 2 Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau

2.1 General comments about the area

2.1 The Eastern Magnesian Limestone Plateau covers 23,146 ha of land in the County, including all of the coastal region, and a long “tail” stretching down to the south-west. It includes the coastal Main Towns of Peterlee (pop. 30093) and Seaham (pop. 21714) together with several larger villages of between two and seven thousand residents.

2.2 Prior to the Industrial Revolution, this area was farmland with two larger settlements – Easington and Seaham Harbour – and a series of smaller villages and farmsteads. All of the larger villages are former colliery and quarrying settlements which grew up in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, either as entirely new settlements or as large expansions of existing ones. The new town of Peterlee was founded in 1948, following the 1946 New Towns Act; it was developed in subsequent decades. There are four conservation areas: at Seaham, Hawthorn, Easington Village and Castle Eden, three Grade I listed buildings, and a scattering of Grade II and II* listed buildings.

2.3 At the far south-western end of the “tail”, the settlements of Coundon and Shildon sit on the boundary between the plateau and the adjacent West Durham Coalfield area, but are considered to be within the latter, because they have clearer functional links to Bishop Auckland.

10 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau 2

The East Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau

2.2 Landscape

2.4 Natural England’s National Character Assessment (NCA)of the area describes the area as follows:

The Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau is an open, agricultural landscape with sharply defined boundaries in the form of a steep limestone escarpment to the west and a dramatic coast of limestone cliffs, headlands and bays to the east. The River Wear cuts across the north of the area, flowing into

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 11 2 Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau

the sea at Sunderland, and the River Skerne drains into the Tees Lowlands to the south. The Magnesian Limestone aquifer that sits below the area is an important source of drinking water for surrounding urban areas.

Rural land cover consists of arable land and grazing pasture, with small, isolated areas of wildlife-rich habitat such as Magnesian Limestone grassland and ancient woodland in the narrow valleys (or denes) running down to the coast. The coast is an important breeding and feeding area for migratory birds, and harbour porpoise frequents inshore waters. The area has been strongly shaped by its industry, with coal mining and quarrying in particular leaving a very clear mark on local landscapes and identity. Settlements range from larger urban areas such as Sunderland to the north and ex-mining towns with their distinctive terraces to the south and east, to scattered traditional stone villages built around village greens on the plateau and ‘New Towns’ such as Peterlee and Newton Aycliffe.

Local nature reserves and a good access network, particularly along disused colliery railways and the coast, provide local residents with good opportunities for outdoor recreation.

2.5 The NCA establishes five “Statements of Environmental Opportunity” for the area (a), which are discussed in detail. The main findings can be summarised as follows:

SEO 1: Protect, expand and connect semi-natural habitats, particularly limestone grassland, and enhance management of agricultural land to provide a range of benefits to local people, wildlife and the wider environment. SEO 2: Protect and enhance the coast as a place of tranquillity and inspiration that supports wildlife and illustrates the area’s industrial past. SEO 3: Protect, manage and enhance waterbodies, particularly the River Wear, to improve water quality and enhance their wildlife value. SEO 4: Protect and promote the area’s rich archaeology and geology to enhance appreciation of its mining heritage, significant role within British industry, and important fossil record and prehistoric sites. SEO 5: Seek to ensure that where there is new development it preserves the area’s strong sense of place, retains tranquil areas, is appropriate in a changing climate and improves quality of life for local residents.

2.3 open spaces

2.6 The 2010 Open Space Needs Assessment established open space standards across the County. It states that each 1000 people should have access to 5.2 ha of public open space, including 1ha each of: allotments, amenity open space, sports pitches, parks and gardens and semi-natural open space, and 0.2 ha of children’s play space.

2.7 The recent Playing Pitch Strategy for East Durham states that 48 pitches should be enough to satisfy existing demand. Although there are 72 in the area, some clubs report difficulties in finding pitches. The quality of pitches is “generally considered to be good” but there are “issues in relation to the quality of changing facilities.. and security”. Therefore, the PPS recommends “a more comprehensive management and letting system” and greater community use of educational facilities. Existing pitches should be safeguarded, but “decisions need to be made” about which pitches to safeguard and develop. Developers should normally be asked for contributions to improve existing pitches rather than creating new ones.

a http://www.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/nca/default.aspx

12 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau 2

2.8 In older settlements of this area, demolition of pit terraces and regeneration of former colliery sites (as at Easington) has often led to a large oversupply of amenity open space. However, the functionality of some spaces is poor, and there is a general shortage of parks and gardens. At Peterlee, the “new town” layout includes very large amounts of amenity open space; this is valued for townscape reasons, but entails a large maintenance input.

2.9 The PPS suggests that resources should be focused on one or more “hub” sites, which could provide a larger quantity of better-quality sports grounds in one place. Potential sites for such a facility include grounds at Seaham and Dawdon, Wheatley Hill, Wingate, Blackhall and Easington. However, no analysis has as yet been carried out on their relative suitability for this purpose. An Action Plan for the area is in preparation.

2.10 The County Council’s Countryside Estate comprises country parks, picnic areas, nature reserves and the 120km Railway Path network. The Estate is managed for access and biodiversity and, in many locations around the County, offers some of the few remaining areas where natural habitats and wildlife are actively protected and managed.

2.11 The sites that make up the Countryside Estate are all fully accessible by walkers and, in the case of the Railway Path network, cyclists and horse riders are welcome on these traffic-free routes for recreation, access to services and to link with other communities.

2.12 Where these sites are in close proximity to a settlement or development site, the ability to promote their presence, accessibility and environmental benefits is of considerable importance. Natural green spaces have a positive impact on well-being as well as providing appropriate areas for exercise and dog walking.

2.13 The opportunity to make a positive contribute to the management and improvement of sites is available to individuals and developers. Without exception, each site, its current and potential users will benefit from access improvements and management regimes that will enhance nature conservation value.

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 13 2 Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau

2.4 Flood risk and water quality

Flood Risk: East Durham

2.14 Flooding is relatively less significant in this are than in some other zones. Many of the settlements are situated on relatively high ground (either on the ridge of the magnesian limestone escarpment, or, on the coast, on land in between coastal denes). The magnesian limestone plateau forms a watershed from north to south, 4-10km west of the coast. To the east of this, the surface water runs towards a series of coastal streams and thence to the sea. As well as this, the limestone is permeable and permits surface water to drain away.

14 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau 2

2.15 In the EA’s Wear catchment flood management plan, the area to the east of the watershed is called the “Coastal Streams” area – not, strictly speaking, part of the Wear catchment, but an area of “independent small catchments draining directly to the sea.” Flood risk here is deemed to be “very low.” The CFMP recommends that no active intervention is necessary in this area, although it does list a number of studies which are required in the future. Relevant ones include : the identification of habitat protection and enhancement measures relating to flood management measures; and a Rapid Response Catchment Action Plan for Murton Dene at Dalton-le-Dale.

2.16 The area to the west of the watershed is within the EA “Tursdale, Croxdale and Old Durham Becks” area, within which a series of becks run from east to west towards the Wear. Here, flood risk is limited, as it will be in the future, and the EA recommend that it is viable to withdraw maintenance from some defences.

2.17 The long “tail” of this area which runs into the west of the County, including Ferryhill, Chilton, Kirk Merrington, Coundon, and part of Shildon, is within the catchment area of the Tees. (Coundon is both on the boundary between character areas and on the watershed between the Wear and the Tees.). This area falls within the “Northern” zone of the EA’s Tees catchment flood management plan, which identifies a significant level of flood risk associated with tributaries of the Tees; however, most of this risk falls outside this character area.

2.18 The 2010 Durham SFRA found that SUDS were likely to function effectively in this area due to the permeability of the underlying limestone. However, the variable permeability of different soils would need to be taken into consideration in designing schemes.

2.19 The whole area is above the major magnesian limestone aquifer and therefore within an “at risk “ drinking water protected area (an area where water is abstracted for drinking and where there is a risk of it needing additional treatment). Water is abstracted at several points within the area; around each abstraction point, the EA has defined Source Protection Zones - areas within which groundwater recharge may travel to the abstraction point within 50 days (SPZ1), 400days (SPZ2) and over a longer period (SPZ3). In general in the eastern area, SPZ1s are small; SPZ2s and SPZ3s extend over much of the area to the west of the abstraction points. The quantitative quality of groundwater is poor and its chemical quality is “poor, deteriorating”.

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 15 2 Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau

2.5 Ecology

Ecological networks, East Durham

Three types of location are particularly significant in this area: coastal denes, which have never been developed; former industrial sites which have been allowed to develop their own ecology; and the coast. Much of the latter is protected at European level. In the north and south of the area, sections of it form part of the Northumbria Coast Special Protection Area (protected under the Birds Directive for its populations of little terns, purple sandpipers and turnstones. Most of the undeveloped coast in the County is classed as the Durham Coast Special Area of Conservation, protected under the Habitats

16 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau 2

Directive for its features of biological, geological and physiographic interest, including most of the paramaritime Magnesian Limestone vegetation in Britain, and a species-rich dune system. Castle Eden Dene is also a SAC; it is an ancient woodland with species-rich ground flora and an “exceptionally diverse” insect fauna.

2.20 Recorded Durham BAP habitats in the area include: ponds; lowland fen; magnesian limestone grassland; lowland meadow pasture; ancient semi-natural woodland; planted ancient woodland sites; broadleaved woodland; scrub; road verges; and early successional brownfield sites.

2.21 Much of the Durham Coast is protected under European legislation for its important protected species and habitats, collectively known as European Protected Sites, compliance with the legislation places considerable constraints on development within 6km of the European Protected Sites. New development will lead to increased urbanisation and recreational use of the coastal European Protected Sites and new or enhanced green space has been identified as one of the measures which will contribute towards mitigating these negative impacts. The Habitats Regulation Assessment of the County Durham Plan, the linked Supplementary Planning Document and the Durham Heritage Coast Management Plan define the nature and extent of mitigation, and where and how mitigation, including green space, will be provided. Anyone considering development or actions which are likely to add to the overall urbanisation and recreational use of the coast should read these documents, particularly as the need for green space mitigation protecting the European Protected Sites is likely to supersede other proposals.

2.22 The Green Infrastructure Strategy provides a further opportunity to contribute to the overall supply of green space and to mitigate negative impacts on the European Protected Sites. Developers, green space managers and creators of new green space should consider how their green space proposals can support the mitigation for the European Protected Sites. The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010 – which follows the European Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC – requires a staged assessment to be carried out whenever a plan or project may affect the integrity of a European protected site. Initial screening to determine whether an effect is likely will be followed, where necessary, by a more detailed Appropriate Assessment.

2.23 A screening assessment of the Issues and Options stage of the County Durham Plan was unable to rule out significant adverse effects upon the SAC/SPA. It found that increased recreational visits to the coast as a result of increased population in the area could have an effect upon the coast – partly through disturbance of birds and partly through enrichment of the soil from dog faeces and urine.

2.24 Habitats Regulations Assessment of the County Durham Plan at Preferred Options and Submission Draft stages, together with a recent Addendum, has established our approach to mitigation, with different approaches depending on the distance from the site.

Outside 6km of the SAC/SPA, development is unlikely to generate visitor pressure likely to have a significant effect and therefore mitigation measures will not be required. Within 0.4 km of the SAC/SPA, visitor pressure is likely to be significant and it is thought unlikely that the effect can be adequately mitigated. In between 0.4 km and 6 km of the SAC/SPA there may be an effect, but mitigation measures are possible: proposals will be required to provide suitable green space to reduce dog-walking on the SAC/SPA. Awareness-raising and access management measures may also be required, as set out within the Heritage Coast Management Plan. In many cases, it may be more appropriate for developers to provide funds to improve the accessibility or character of existing open spaces, rather than creating new ones.

2.25 Research by the Kennel Club, and precedents elsewhere, have yielded a set of criteria determining what constitutes a suitable space likely to attract dog-walkers. Ideally, sites should:

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 17 2 Durham Magnesian Limestone Plateau

be semi-natural in appearance be a minimum of 3ha (per 1000)although smaller sites would also be considered if they were close to and had good links to other smaller sites, to form a larger total area or network aim to allow a minimum dog walking penetration of 784 m from starting point and a circular dog walk of 2.7km be within 400-500m of users’ dwellings have adequate car parking , if larger than 10 ha.

18 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Seaham 3

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 19 3 Seaham

Seaham: overview

Introduction

3.1 In 1860 Seaham consisted of two fairly large settlements: Seaham Harbour and Seaham Colliery. Over the intervening decades both have expanded outwards, constrained by the sea, the denes, and in latter years by the A19. Redevelopment of industrial sites and older housing has also taken place. The urban form is therefore quite variable, with patches of closely-packed terraces, post-war semi-detached houses, and modern estates of detached houses; there is also a large estate of bungalows in grid formation.

3.2 There are variable levels of deprivation within the town. Large areas are within the 10% most deprived in the country. In general, the older areas of town, with densely-packed dwellings, few private gardens, and limited public open space, are the most deprived. Newer, less dense areas in which dwellings have private gardens are less likely to be deprived in Seaham. However, some social housing estates meet this description and yet are deprived.

Open Space

3.3 Seaham, Dawdon and Deneside electoral divisions, which cover the town between them, have an overall adequate supply of open space in relation to the standards established in the OSNA. Against the typology standards, the town performs as follows:

Allotments: adequate Amenity open space: significant over-supply Sports pitches: adequate

20 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Seaham 3

Parks and gardens: under-supply Semi-natural open space: adequate Children’s play space; under-supply

3.4 The PPS suggests that there are three sites which could be suitable for conversion into an area “hub”: Dawdon Dene Park; Seaham Colliery Welfare park; the grounds near Queen Alexandra Road, Dawdon. An Area Action Plan is being developed for sports facilities in East Durham.

3.5 The first-tier (300m of all sites) ANGST standard is met within the vicinity of the denes and the second-tier (2km of 20ha ) standard over much of the south and centre of the town.

Flooding and water quality

3.6 Surface water and fluvial flood water risk zones: There is only one small area of riverine flood risk in developed areas of Seaham or Murton: it affects houses at Woodlands, off Seaham Dene. Otherwise, the only riverine flood zones run through the coastal denes. There are a few areas of surface water flood risk in developed areas: these include Dalton-le-Dale; and at Chestnut Way, Deneside. None of these were prioritised in the recent Surface Water Management Plan.

3.7 Water quality: The three waterbodies studied within the River Basin Management Plan – Seaton Coastal Area (includes Seaham Dene), Dalton Beck (Dawdon Dene), and Hazel Dene – are all classed as being of “moderate” ecological quality. No definite reasons for failure are given for Seaton and Hazel Dene and their status is “uncertain”. Dalton Beck’s status, however, is based on less than good results from invertebrate surveys. The cause is thought to be biological oxygen demand from intermittent, or possibly continuous, sewage discharge. The EA WAP suggests a series of measures for improving the quality of Dalton Beck; these are hard engineering measures not relevant to GI.

Ecology

3.8 Ecological networks in Seaham follow the coast and the course of the coastal denes which run through the town. These are all protected at some level: Rockhouse Dene is an LNR; Byron’s, Seaham, Dawdon, and Hazel Dene are LWSs. They contain broadleaved woodland, some of it ancient, and magnesian limestone grassland. The LNR at Nose’s Point is also magnesian limestone grassland.

3.9 A strip of the coast to the north of Seaham Harbour, including the north pier, is within the Northumbria Coast SPA. The Durham Coast SAC begins to the south of the town.

Priorities for green infrastructure delivery

Supporting regeneration activities in the town – most significantly, the reclamation and regeneration of Seaham Colliery and other housing sites Ensuring that new major housing developments entail sufficient good-quality green infrastructure to meet the needs of new and existing residents Supporting the objectives and actions of the Heritage Coast Partnership Protecting the Northumbria Coast SPA, in part by attempting to diffuse recreational pressure on the coast by providing good-quality open spaces elsewhere. Addressing imbalances in typology of open space: increasing, where possible, the supply of parks and gardens through the improvement of existing amenity open space. Supporting the development of the North Sea Cycle Route.

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 21 3 Seaham

Important potential green infrastructure projects

3.10 The following sites were identified within the Habitats Regulations Assessment as those potentially capable of providing a significant recreational resource. They could therefore help to mitigate the impact of increased recreational development upon the European protected sites (the SAC/SPA) by diverting dog-walkers away from the coast.

1. Site to the North of Seaham Town Park: amenity open space with a surrounding tree belt; identified in the 2013 Seaham New Housing Masterplan as open space to be retained. At least some of this land may be transferred to the new school at Station Road once it is completed. Therefore, any future use of the land will have to be negotiated with the school. 2. Seaham Town Park: Seaham Town Council have extensive plans for improving the sports facilities on site. They propose a new car park, sports pavillions and an Astroturf pitch. These proposals are unlikely, in themselves to provide 'off lead' opportunities for dog walkers. However, access to and routes through the park could be enhanced to interlink the smaller site to the north of the park and land to the east of the B1285. 3. Land to the East of the B1285: there is potential to increase the attractiveness of the site by provision of additional paths and either planting or fencing the site from the adjacent road. Whilst this site falls short of the 3ha criteria there is potential to create links through Seaham Town Park to the site to the north of the park. 4. New Drive: enhancement of existing playing fields to increase their functionality: providing opportunities for informal recreation while increasing the number of marked pitches. 5. Seaham Colliery: There is the potential to create new multifunctional open space incorporated within the proposed housing development. Negotiations are currently under way to determine a design brief for the entire site, including stipulations about the quality of the new open space. 6. Land at Kingston Avenue: there is potential for increasing the attractiveness of access points and putting in place measures to prevent vehicular access and adding to or maintaining the existing planting. At 2.7ha the site narrowly falls short of the 3ha criteria but may provide recreational space for dwellings on housing allocation H67. 7. Land at Parkside / Dawdon Dene: an area of amenity open space and former playing fields associated with the demolished Parkside Infant School. There is a network of informal paths providing access to Dawdon Dene. There is potential to improve access, habitats and connectivity with existing housing. The site could provide excellent facilities for informal recreation for residents of housing site H68 and the existing dwellings on Parkside.

Planning

3.11 Allocated sites: The following large sites are allocated for housing within the County Durham Plan. All are within the existing footprint of the town.

Plan ref Name Ha

H/67 Lawnside 4.768

H/70 Seaham School 3.692

H/66 Land North of Portland Ave 3.155

H/69 Seaham Colliery Site 5.934

H/65 East of Milton Close 0.939

H/68 Parkside 1.524

22 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Seaham 3

3.12 The only significant industrial land allocation is a large (75ha) site to the south of Seaham, which has been designated for a film studio and associated businesses.

Individual housing sites – recommendations

H/65 East of Milton Close

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood DCC (ha) requirement land at use risk owned 35 dph

Housing No Over and other 50% 0.9388 30 72.00 0.37 31.96 0.08 buildings

3.13 Impact on GI provision: The development would lead to the loss of 3458 m2 of amenity open space. However, it is not clear that this currently provides a dog-walking resource because adjacent, brownfield portions of the site are in a degraded state, rendering it unattractive for residential use.

3.14 Proximity to potentially suitable alternative dog-walking spaces: Sites within 500m of the site include: amenity open space to the south of Seaham Colliery and at Northlea (Haven House). Playing fields at Seaham Leisure Centre and at New Drive are also within 500m.

3.15 The development should incorporate:

Retention of pedestrian access along mineral line, linking to housing sites 5/SE/11 and 5/SE/09, open space to the south of Seaham Colliery, and the town centre. Ecological links to existing tree belts Potential for vehicular access to the adjacent allotments, so that the development could be extended into this site should it become available.

H/66 North of Portland Avenue and H/69 Seaham Colliery:

Ref Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood DCC (ha) requirement land at use risk owned 35 dph

H/66 Once No Yes housing 3.1553 100 240.00 1.25 31.69 0.30 and quarry

H/69 Ex-colliery; No No now amenity open 5.9335 180 432.00 2.25 30.34 0.79 space

3.16 These two sites should be considered together as a coherent whole. Their future development is being discussed with the Homes and Communities Agency, who own the Colliery site.

3.17 Impact on GI provision: The colliery site is currently inaccessible and therefore provides no recreational space. The Portland Avenue site currently provides 3.155 ha of public open space. The land to be developed meets dog-walkers’ requirements as it has no use restrictions, is not close to

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 23 3 Seaham

any main roads, and is close to some relatively densely-populated residential areas. However, it is devoid of trees or other landscape features, making it visually unappealing. The loss of this open space would not lead to an overall shortage.

3.18 Proximity to potentially suitable alternative dog-walking spaces: Sites within 500m are: Seaham Town Park; amenity open space off Stockton Road, south of Seaham Colliery, and at Northlea (Haven House). Playing fields at Seaham Town Park and Seaham Leisure Centre are also within 500m of parts of the site. Since the quantity of open space in the area is more than sufficient, it would arguably be better to improve the sites that exist rather than require the creation of new ones. Land at The Lawns would be a potential dog-walking site, but this site is allocated for housing development.

3.19 The development should:

Be planned as a coherent whole, providing public open space and pedestrian and ecological connectivity between residential development, open space and the town as a whole. Retain and create adequate, good-quality greenspace for new residents. Given the shortage of higher-value open spaces in this area, this space should be designed as a park rather than as playing fields or amenity open space. It should be laid out and landscaped to maximise attractiveness and functionality. Provide pedestrian and cycle access in all four directions: to the west, with the new school; to the south, with existing residential development; to the north, with Station Road. To the east, the project should retain existing connectivity along the mineral line, with adjacent open spaces , and with the allocated housing site 5/SE/07, east of Milton Close. Respect the setting of the Grade 1 listed church of St Mary to the north of the site. Take opportunities to improve townscape and landscape. Include structural planting on its western boundary adjoining the proposed school

H/67: Lawnside

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood DCC (ha) requirement land at 35 use risk owned dph

4.7675 140 336.00 1.75 29.37 0.77 Housing No Yes

3.20 Impact on GI provision: The proposal would lead to the loss of 4.77 ha of amenity open space. This space is on a demolition site and lacks landscape or other features. However, it is suitable for dog-walkers insofar as it is free of use constraints, away from main roads, and close to areas of fairly dense housing. Although the loss of this land would not lead to an overall shortage of open space, it would lead to a local shortage of suitable dog-walking sites; many more residents, particularly in Westlea, would not live within 500m of a suitable site.

3.21 Proximity to potentially suitable alternative dog-walking spaces: Sites within 500m are: amenity open space at Kingston Avenue and south of Seaham Colliery. Playing fields at Seaham Leisure Centre are also within 500m. Dawdon Dene is also within 500m of the site but is severed from it by the Graham Way and intervening farmland.

3.22 The development should incorporate:

Pedestrian access to Weymouth Drive to the south, and to the allotments to the east Structural planting on its eastern boundary

24 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Seaham 3

Improvement of landscape and townscape

5/SE/14: or H/68 Parkside.

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood DCC (ha) requirement land at 35 use risk owned dph

School and No Yes 1.5239 60 144.00 0.75 39.37 -0.19 housing

3.23 Impact on GI provision: The development would lead to the loss of a small amount of former education open space, which is not open to the public at present.

3.24 Proximity to potentially suitable alternative dog-walking spaces: There is one potential dog-walking site within 500m: Dawdon Dene. The playing field at Parkside is just outside the 500m limit.

3.25 The development must contain:

Pedestrian connectivity to adjacent former school playing fields and to footpaths leading through local authority-owned land to Dawdon Dene Ecological connectivity with adjacent scrub/ trees Formalisation of the pathway to Stony Cut

H/70: Seaham School

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood DCC (ha) requirement land at use risk owned 35 dph

School Limited Yes and SWFRA 3.6919 100 240.00 1.25 27.09 0.83 grounds

3.26 Impact on GI provision: Development here would not entail the loss of any land currently used for dog-walking.

3.27 Proximity to potentially suitable alternative dog-walking spaces: Sites within 500m are: Seaham Town Park; amenity open space at Northlea, off Stockton Road, and north of Seaham Town Park. Playing fields north of Lord Byron’s Walk, and at Seaham Town Park are also within 500m.

3.28 The development should entail:

Ecological connectivity with the adjoining tree belt to the north and thence to Seaham Dene Include structural planting on its western boundary; retain and protect the tree belt to the west of the site Include pedestrian routes linking the site to open space to the north and to Lord Byron’s Walk, via the tree belt to the north Entail assessment of identified surface water flood risk and, potentially, SUDS to address it. Include pedestrian routes linking the site to Seaham Town Park, particularly:

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 25 3 Seaham

in the south-west corner, close to the existing path running to the south of the site in between the existing football and cricket grounds, where there is the potential for developing a through route from the site entrance to the park

26 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Peterlee 4

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 27 4 Peterlee

Peterlee: overview

Introduction

4.1 Most of Peterlee was developed within a couple of decades post-war. It has a low-rise, low-density layout with ample amenity open space incorporated within it. The older settlement of Horden is denser and laid out , for the most part, in a series of grids.

4.2 There is only one listed building in Peterlee proper: the modernist Apollo (or Passmore) Pavilion, Sunny Blunts. However, the urban area as a whole includes Shotton and Horden Halls; a farm building complex at Cotsford Grange; and the early C20th Church of St Mary the Virgin, Horden. The site of the mediaeval Yoden village is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

4.3 Much of Peterlee is deprived, but the picture is variable. Very broadly, the newer the development, the less likely it is to be deprived. The former pit terraces of Horden and the earliest parts of the town, around the Yoden Village site, are within the 10% most deprived, whereas newer estates in the south of the town are not deprived. There is an imperfect correlation between degree of local authority ownership and degree of deprivation.

Open space

4.4 In the four electoral divisions that make up Peterlee and Horden, there is a very large supply of open space in relation to the standards established in the OSNA. Against the typology standards, the town performs as follows:

Allotments: under-supply, although most dwellings have gardens Amenity open space: very significant over-supply Sports pitches: adequate

28 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Peterlee 4

Parks and gardens: under-supply Semi-natural open space: large supply Children’s play space: under-supply

4.5 All of the residential area of the town is covered by second-tier (2km of 20ha ) and 3rd-tier (5km of 100ha) ANGSt standards.

4.6 None of the Playing Pitch Strategy’s suggested area “hub” sites are in Peterlee. An Action Plan for the area is in preparation.

Flooding and water quality

4.7 Surface water and fluvial flood water risk zones: There is no riverine flood risk in developed areas of Peterlee. Surface water flood risk is only found in a few small areas, of which the most significant is probably the town centre.

4.8 Water quality: The whole of Castle Eden Dene burn, including its tributaries, is classed as being of “bad” quality, judged on the basis of invertebrate surveys. Run-off from agricultural land, roads and the industrial estate, and sewage discharge, is thought to be the source of pollution, leading to high levels of ammonia and sediment. High levels of phosphate are also recorded. The WAP recommends a series of measures for reducing pollution via control of surface water, some of which are being implemented by Groundwork.

Ecology

4.9 Mapped ecological networks in this area principally consist of the coast and coastal denes. These are protected at various levels. The coast is a SAC, but sections of it are additionally classified (Horden Grassland, Limekiln Gill and Blackhall Grassland LNRs; Warren House Gill LWS) because of their magnesian limestone grassland. The denes on either side of the town contain ancient woodland. Castle Eden Dene, to the south, is a SAC and LNR. Horden Dene, which is smaller, is a LWS. To the south-east of the town there is another cluster of woodland habitats, parts of which are protected (Bracken Hill Wood LNR, Edderacres LWS).

Priorities for green infrastructure delivery

Ensuring that new major housing developments entail sufficient good-quality green infrastructure to meet the needs of new and existing residents. Protecting the townscape of the New Town while developing a cost-effective maintenance regime for the existing green space Supporting the objectives and actions of the Heritage Coast Partnership Protecting the Durham Coast SAC and other protected sites, in part by attempting to diffuse recreational pressure on the coast by providing good-quality open spaces elsewhere. Addressing imbalances in typology of open space: increasing, if possible, the amount of parks and gardens through conversion of existing amenity space Working to decrease pollution in Castle Eden Burn

Important initiatives

4.10 A number of specific initiatives have been suggested which have the potential to improve the existing recreational resource, particularly with reference to new proposed housing development. At the time of writing, the most important are:

8) Yoden Village: This space is managed in a relatively informal way. It contains tree belts and areas subject to variable mowing regimes, but the bulk of the site is grassland Measures to improve the attractiveness of the site could include additional planting, a network of gravel /

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 29 4 Peterlee

limestone footpaths and interpretation material relating to Yoden mediaeval village. Connectivity should also be preserved and enhanced between; Eden Lane, and public open spaces to the west; Horden, to the east; housing site H63 to the north; and land at Chapel Hill Road, to the south. 9) Chapel Hill Road: This site is in two connected sections. The northernmost occupies a long, wide strip of land, running alongside Chapel Hill Road from north to east and sloping, along its length, towards the east. There is a belt of mature trees along its western side, which widens in the south. The southern section is a wide, irregular oblong of wooded land in between Yoden Way, which curves round it to the south-east, and housing to its north. There is potential to improve the sites recreational potential and attractiveness through additional tree planting on the northern section of the site, areas of differential mowing and access improvements. In particular, there is the potential to create connectivity with the Yoden Village site to the north, creating a circular walk in-between sites H63 to the north and H61 to the south.

4.11 There may also be the potential for reviewing the amenity open spaces in Peterlee as a whole, to establish whether management regimes or use can be altered to reduce costs and/ or improve recreational or ecological value. Work on different sites might include tree-planting, differential mowing, or allocation of AOS as gardens. There are also measures under way, led by Groundwork to manage surface water from the industrial estate and thus reduce diffuse pollution of the Castle Eden Burn.

Planning

4.12 The following large sites are allocated for housing in the County Durham Plan:

Plan ref Name Ha

H/59 North East Industrial Estate 19.292

H/60 Adjacent Shotton School 3.396

H/61 Dene House School 2.816

H/63 South of Edenhill Community Centre 2.679

H/62 North Blunts 2.356

H/64 South of Passfield Way 1.036

4.13 There is a commitment to build 900 dwellings at Low Hills, north of the town, and 52 dwellings at the former ITEC.

4.14 There are no large industrial allocations. The existing North West industrial estate continues to be allocated for industrial use, with minor extensions. Much of the North East industrial estate is reallocated for housing.

Recommendations for individual housing sites

4.15 Between them, the allocated housing sites are predicted to accommodate circa 4060 people. This would exacerbate existing deficits of park and garden, play space and allotment and lead to a small quantitative deficit of sports pitches. However, levels of semi-natural open space and amenity open space would still be well above OSNA standards.

4.16 All the allocated sites are within 6km of the coastal SAC/SPA and consideration will therefore need to be given to the likely impact of increased recreational pressure.

30 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Peterlee 4

H/59: Land at North East Industrial Estate.

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood DCC (ha) requirement land at use risk owned 35 dph

Industrial Minor No 19.292 390 936.00 4.87 20.22 8.15 estate SWFRA

4.17 Impact upon GI: The proposed development would remove no existing open space but would create a significant demand.

4.18 Proximity to potentially suitable dog-walking sites: The site is adjacent to the Yoden Village site, which provides a large area of amenity open

4.19 This is a strategic site and stipulations for its development are set out in the North East Industrial Estate SPD. This states that an area of some 7.7 ha of open space will be provided on site and that connectivity will be provided between the site and open space to its south.

H/60: Adjacent to Shotton School

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood DCC (ha) requirement land at use risk owned 35 dph

3.396 70 168 0.87 20.61 1.40 School Very Yes grounds minor and amenity SWFRA open space

4.20 Impact upon GI: Development on this site would remove areas of amenity open space. However, the bulk of the site is not currently classified as public open space and, since there is a very large supply of amenity open space in the area, this would not lead to any quantitative deficits. The SHLAA assessment found that development here would raise the possibility of increased recreational pressure upon the coastal SAC/SPA.

4.21 Proximity to potentially suitable dog-walking spaces: The site sits within an extensive network of amenity open space, which link the site to large areas of publicly-accessible open space, including Castle Eden Dene. We are advised that increased recreational impact upon this site is not likely to have an unacceptable adverse impact upon the Castle Eden Dene SAC.

4.22 Development on this site should:

Reinforce existing planting on its eastern boundary Retain and augment mature trees Create pedestrian and cycle routes to the south (Elsdon Close) and north-west (Sunny Blunts) Respect the character of the New Town by incorporating green spaces within the development

H/61: Dene House School

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood DCC (ha) requirement land at use risk owned 35 dph

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 31 4 Peterlee

2.816 70 168.00 0.87 24.86 0.82 School Minor Yes grounds; SWFRA amenity open space

4.23 Impact upon GI provision: This development would remove a certain amount of education open space, of which there is a large supply in Peterlee.

4.24 Proximity to potentially suitable dog-walking spaces: The site is part of a larger area of green space centred around the existing Dene House School, but permeability is limited. To the north-east, across Yoden Way, at Chapel Hill Road, there is a large area of open space in which landscape and access improvements are proposed, including a through route to Yoden Village, to the north. To the south-east, the site abuts a wooded area known as Long Plantation.

4.25 Development on this site should:

Retain existing planting on its northwestern boundary. Retain and augment mature trees

Consider access across Yoden Way and connectivity with Chapel Hill Road Retain connectivity with Long Plantation, to the south-east, and Eastfield to the south. Respect the character of the New Town by incorporating green spaces within the development

H/62: North Blunts

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood DCC (ha) requirement land at use risk owned 35 dph

2.356 85 204.00 1.06 36.08 -0.07 Primary Very Yes school and minor grounds SWFRA

4.26 Impact upon GI provision: This site was previously occupied by education buildings and school playing fields. Therefore, the development would remove a certain amount of education open space, of which there is a large supply in Peterlee. The demolition of the schools themselves reduces the function of these grounds in this location. The SHLAA assessment found that development here would raise the possibility of increased recreational pressure upon the coastal SAC/SPA.

4.27 Proximity to potentially suitable alternative dog-walking spaces: The site is immediately adjacent to Dene Park, to the east. Part of this is an ancient woodland. The park provides connectivity for pedestrians to residential areas on its far side, and to Castle Eden Dene. To the south, areas of amenity open space provide connectivity with adjacent residential areas.

4.28 Development on this site should:

Reinforce existing planting on its western boundary

Provide 15m buffer adjoining the ancient woodland to the east.

Provide pedestrian routes to Dene Park and to the amenity open spaces to the south. Respect the character of the New Town by incorporating green spaces within the development

32 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Peterlee 4

H/63: South of Edenhill Community Centre

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood DCC (ha) requirement land at use risk owned 35 dph

2.679 90 216.00 1.12 33.59 0.11 Infant and Very Yes junior minor schools and SWFRA grounds

4.29 Impact upon GI provision: This allocation was assessed as two SHLAA sites: 5/PE/30 and 5/PE/31. Both are former school sites. Though they are classed as education open space, they currently offer no publicly-accessible open space. Furthermore, there is a large supply of education open space in the town.

4.30 The SHLAA assessment found that development here would raise the possibility of increased recreational pressure upon the coastal SAC/SPA and upon Yoden Quarries SSSI, which is within 700m of the site.

4.31 Proximity to potentially suitable alternative dog-walking spaces: The site is very close to the large collection of contiguous open spaces including Eden Lane park, the adjacent cemetery, and the Yoden Village site. To the north of the site, there is an area of woodland and the grounds of the Eden Hill Community Centre, which has been declared “surplus.”

4.32 Development on this site should:

Retain existing planting on its north western boundary. In the southern section, provide pedestrian and cycle access to Galloway Road (in the south and west) as well as Robson Avenue. In the northern section, preserve pedestrian connectivity with the adjacent community centre grounds, taking account of the potential for redevelopment, and pedestrian connectivity with Barley Rise to the west. Respect the character of the New Town by incorporating green spaces within the development

4.33 It may be relevant to request the developer to make a contribution towards the improvement of the Yoden Village site.

H/64: South of Passfield Way

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood DCC (ha) requirement land at 35 use risk owned dph

1.036 35 84.00 0.44 33.78 0.04 Amenity No Yes open space

4.34 The larger site 5/PE/21, which included this site, was assessed within the SHLAA . As a whole, it was found to be unsuitable and classed “amber”, because of the potential impact upon mature trees and landscape, and because undulations in the northern part of the site could affect yield. There was also a restrictive covenant on part of the site. As these issues did not affect the southern part of the site to the same extent, this section of the site was allocated.

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 33 4 Peterlee

4.35 Impact upon open space provision: Development here would lead to the loss of 1.036 ha of amenity open space. However, the very large supply of open space in this area means that this may be acceptable.

4.36 Proximity to potentially suitable alternative dog-walking spaces: The site is adjacent to areas of amenity open space in the south and north. To the south, this leads to Sunny Blunts Park and thence to Castle Eden Dene.

4.37 Development on this site should:

Retain pedestrian connectivity in all directions: to Oakerside Drive in the west; to the large area of open space in the north; to Lakemore, in the east; and to Helford Road and thence to Sunny Blunts Park in the south. Respect the character of the New Town by incorporating green spaces within the development

34 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Secondary and tertiary settlements 5

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 35 5 Secondary and tertiary settlements

5.1 Blackhall

Blackhall: overview

Introduction

5.1 Blackhall has retained its core of terraced houses in grid formation, in which only a few streets have gardens. Post-war or later development has generally been in grid formation, too, but later terraced dwellings all have gardens. There are also large blocks of bungalows with small front gardens and access at the back of dwellings. In Blackhall Rocks there are more extensive areas of semi-detached houses with gardens in interlinking rows and crescents; many are DCC-owned. There is a large caravan park to the south of the village. The historic core of Blackhall Colliery and the social housing areas of Blackhall Rocks are within the 10% most deprived areas in the country.

Open spaces

5.2 Against the typology standards, the town performs as follows:

Allotments: under-supply Amenity open space: significant over-supply Sports pitches: under-supply Parks and gardens: under-supply Semi-natural open space: large supply Children’s play space: under-supply

5.3 Blackhall Recreation Ground and other spaces within the village, are well-maintained by Monk Hesleden Parish Council. The PC note that the amenity space on the coastal strip at Blackhall Rocks is in an unsuitable position.

36 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Secondary and tertiary settlements 5

Flooding and water quality

5.4 Blackhall slopes down from the village to the sea; there are no particularly low flat points in the village and no fluvial flood zones. There are a few scattered patches of surface water flood risk, including areas in Blackhall Colliery Industrial Estate, a strip alongside the railway, and allotments off the main road.

Ecology

5.5 The village is adjacent to the Durham Coast SAC and Northumbria Coast SPA and close to Castle Eden Dene. The only other protected site is Blackhall Grasslands – a strip of magnesian limestone grassland along the coast. Any development within Blackhall is likely to be within 400 metres of the SAC/SPA. Proposals for residential development will need to be accompanied by an appropriate assessment and it is considered unlikely that recreational pressure could be effectively mitigated.

Priorities

Protecting the coastal SAC/SPA Supporting social and economic regeneration

Specific actions and projects

5.6 The only specific action that has been suggested is the development of Blackhall Welfare Park into an area “hub” site. However, this will depend up on the forthcoming Playing Pitch Action Plan.

Planning

5.7 No potential housing sites have been identified.

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 37 5 Secondary and tertiary settlements

5.2 Chilton

Chilton: overview

Introduction

5.8 Like many former mining villages, Chilton has a variable urban fabric, including former pit terraces, social housing and quite extensive amenity open spaces. The village is within the 10-20% most deprived areas of the country. The relocation of the A167 through the village has removed through traffic from the centre of the village. This, however, severs the residential areas of the village from the industrial estate and from recreational open spaces on the far side of the junction.

Open space

5.9 Against the open space typology standards, the town performs as follows:

Allotments: adequate Amenity open space: adequate Sports pitches: adequate Parks and gardens: under-supply Semi-natural open space: theoretically low, but residents have access to the former colliery site, now landscaped, and, via a PROW, to Mill Wood Children’s play space: adequate

5.10 The Miners’ Recreation Ground, to the north of the village, is attractively landscaped. Some spaces, such as the grounds of the former infant school, and amenity open spaces at South Downs, may be lacking in functionality.

38 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Secondary and tertiary settlements 5

5.11 Chilton is within the “Four Together” AAP; the Playing Pitch Strategy for this area concludes that the main issue in this area is not quantity but quality. The recreation grounds in Chilton (in two parts, either side of the A167 roundabout) are selected as a potential area “hub” site. It is suggested that drainage work is necessary on the pitches. An Action Plan for this area is in preparation.

Flooding and water quality

5.12 Chilton is elevated above the flood zone associated with the Rushyford Beck to the south. There are small, limited pockets of surface water flood risk. The Rushyford Beck has “poor” ecological status. Levels of ammonia and phosphate have been affected by sewage discharge. This has inhibited invertebrates and phytobenthos, which are also affected by phosphate and sediment from arable fields, and water level changes due to land drainage. The Tees WAP suggests a number of mitigation measures. Relevant ones include: surface water and run-off management via a campaign of advice and guidance at farms; managed realignment of the burn and improvement to the condition of the channel, bed and banks.

Ecology

5.13 Most of the village is not within or adjacent to mapped ecological networks. The former colliery site, to the north-west of the village, has been reclaimed as woodland. To the south-east, there is a large broadleaved woodland – originating as a C19th plantation - Mill Wood LWS. The village is outside 6km from the coastal SAC and SPA.

Priorities

Working with the Environment Agency to manage pollution of the Rushyford Beck Improving less functional open spaces Supporting economic and social regeneration

Planning

5.14 There is a commitment to build 17 dwellings at 17 Vine Place.

5.15 One housing land allocation is made:

H/54: West Chilton Farm

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood DCC (ha) requirement land at use risk owned 35 dph

168 0.87 20.61 1.40 Farmland Some No 4.451 118 SWFRA

5.16 Impact upon GI provision: Development here would not lead to a quantitative deficit of open space.

5.17 Access to large areas of open space: The village has two large areas of open space: Mill Wood and the former colliery site.

5.18 Development on this site should:

Maintain the continuity of appearance onto the old A167 through the use of frontage development and planting.

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 39 5 Secondary and tertiary settlements

Ensure that there are good pedestrian connections in between the site and the rest of the village, across the road to the south. Maintain connectivity with the adjacent recreation ground.

5.3 Easington

Easington - overview

Introduction

5.19 The village has a variable urban layout, with some areas of pit terraces (grid layout, little private open space) some post-war “council” housing (semi-detached houses with gardens) and some later developments (small gardens, detached houses, impermeable layouts). Easington Village has a conservation area, around the green, in which there are two grade I listed buildings: the C 13th/14th manor house, Seaton Holme; and St. Mary’s church (mainly C13th but with older sections). Grade II listed buildings include buildings associated with Seaton Holme and another manor house, this one C18th. Easington Village’s only listed building (grade II) is the former Easington Colliery school. All of Easington Colliery is deprived, and the nearer to the former colliery, the more deprived it is. The historic Easington Village, however, is classed as “not deprived.” (i.e. not within the 30% most deprived areas in the country). Easington Colliery is identified as a “cluster area”, that is, an area within which the Council is in receipt of funding for works aimed at reducing the number of empty properties.

Open space

5.20 Against the open space typology standards, the town performs as follows:

Allotments: adequate Amenity open space: over-supply

40 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Secondary and tertiary settlements 5

Sports pitches: adequate Parks and gardens: under-supply Semi-natural open space: adequate Children’s play space: under-supply

5.21 Much of the sports pitches and allotments are managed by the parish councils. However, there are also amenity spaces left by the grassing of demolition sites, particularly in Easington Colliery, which constitute large rectangular gaps in the urban fabric. Some spaces, including the village green, are bare and featureless.

Floods and water supply

5.22 Easington Village is on relatively high ground in between Hawthorn and Horden Denes to the north and south, and therefore fluvial flood zones avoid it. There are no mapped overland flow routes affecting the village. Surface water flood risk is found in small areas: school playing fields in Easington Colliery and Village; an area in between the railway line and terraced housing to the east of the village; and an area around Petwell Crescent (mid-way along the settlement’s main road).

5.23 Groundwater is abstracted in Easington Colliery, and the area around the abstraction point is defined as a Source Protection Zone.

5.24 Hawthorn Burn and Horden Burn (the latter classed in the EA river basin management plan as “Peterlee/ Easington Colliery Coastal Area” both have a “moderate” status, but little information is given on the reasons for this and suggested mitigation measures are not listed in the WAP.

Ecology

5.25 BAP habitats in the area include ponds, lowland fen, CG8 grassland, ancient semi-natural woodland, and scrub.

5.26 County wildlife sites in the area include:

Hawthorn Bridge pumping station: sedge meadow below a spring; lowland fen and scrub. Horden Dene: lowland mixed deciduous woodland, some ancient semi-natural. Warren House Grassland: mosaic of unimproved neutral and calcareous grassland: CG8 grassland and scrub.

5.27 The village falls within the zone from 0.4km – 6km of the SAC/SPA in which mitigation measures relating to recreational impact resulting from new development may be necessary.

Priorities

Supporting regeneration efforts within the town; improving townscape Protecting the coastal SAC/SPA Supporting the Heritage Coast

Planning

5.28 The following potential housing sites have been identified:

Ref Name Area

H/73 West of Petwell Crescent 2.7

H/71 Council Offices 2.4

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 41 5 Secondary and tertiary settlements

H/72 West of Fennel Grove 2.2

5.29 All three housing allocation sites in Easington are in the western part of the village (Easington Village rather than Easington Colliery). Only one would lead to a loss of public open space: H/71, former Council offices, which contains an area of amenity open space of 6173 m2. This would not lead to an undersupply of open space, given the massive amount of amenity open space available.

5.30 However, there may be an issue with regard to local provision of dog-walking space. There is one suitable dog-walking space (amenity open spaces or parks and gardens over 2ha) within 500m of sites H/71 and H/73: the former sand pit off North Crescent. There are no suitable dog-walking sites within 500m of site H/72. Playing fields at the Community School are also within 500m of these sites and site H/72. The increase in population in Easington Village would lead to additional recreational pressure upon existing sites. The Easington Colliery Welfare Grounds are over 2ha, but many of the pitches within it are fenced off. All other sites over 2ha are allotments, education open space, sports pitches, or churchyard/cemetery.

Potentially important GI projects

5.31 It has been suggested that the recreational impact of new development in the village could be met by planned or additional improvements to the following sites:

10) The Easington Colliery site: This site, standing between the allocated housing sites and the coast itself, is currently used for informal recreation. It has attained political backing for designation as a Local Nature Reserve. Ecology officers do not feel that improving the recreational potential of this site for dog walking will conflict with the proposed LNR designation and that the issues of the footpath across the site providing access to the coast can be overcome by providing attractive circular walks within the site. 11) Low Hills open space: This site, currently farmland, has been identified as mitigation to enable the development of the Low Hills housing site. It is crossed by a number of footpaths which link the hamlet of Little Thorpe to Easington Village and Easington Colliery. Due to the scale of this site and its location it is considered that the site will also offer recreation potential to residents of Easington Village, Colliery and Little Thorpe.

5.32 Developers might also be requested to contribute towards Heritage Coast projects.

Recommendations for individual housing sites

H/71: Former Council offices.

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood DCC (ha) requirement land at 35 use risk owned dph

Council No Yes 2.3993 63 151.20 0.79 26.26 0.60 offices

5.33 Development should include:

Retention of mature trees and some open space on this site Careful design to improve townscape and respect the setting of the nearby conservation area Retention of pedestrian access to North Crescent via Grange Avenue Retention of pedestrian access via garages to the east of the site

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H/72: Fennel Grove.

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood risk DCC (ha) requirement land at use owned 35 dph

No Greenfield, No not open 2.2175 60 144.00 0.75 27.06 2.2175 space

5.34 Development must entail:

Structural planting on the northern boundary Pedestrian and vehicular connectivity with Fennel Grove

H/73: West of Petwell Crescent

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood risk DCC (ha) requirement land at use owned 35 dph

No Greenfield, No not open 2.7155 90 216.00 1.12 33.14 2.7155 space

5.35 Development must entail:

Structural planting on the northern boundary

Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans 43 5 Secondary and tertiary settlements

5.4 Ferryhill

Ferryhill: overview

Introduction

5.36 The centre of Ferryhill has a tight urban grain and many areas of open space lie just outside of the village. The Dean Bank area of the town is within the 10% most deprived areas of the country. Other large areas are within the 10-30% most deprived areas, although some areas to the south-east of the town centre fall outside the “deprived” range. The Dean Bank area is a “cluster” area in receipt of funding to reduce the number of void properties.

Open space

5.37 Against the open space typology standards, the town performs as follows:

Allotments: large supply Amenity open space: large supply Sports pitches: under-supply Parks and gardens: under-supply Semi-natural open space: large supply Children’s play space: under-supply

5.38 Many allotments are owned by the town council. Despite the quantitative deficiency in sports pitches, the Playing Pitch Strategy for the “Four Together” AAP found out that supply of pitches in the area is sufficient to match demand. An Action Plan for the area is in preparation.

44 Green Infrastructure Implementation Plans Secondary and tertiary settlements 5

Flooding and water quality

5.39 Ferryhill itself is elevated above the flood zone to its east. Residential areas, therefore, have little identified flood risk. Some properties around the junction of Linden Road with the High Street are in a surface water flood risk area, however. Ferryhill Station and Chilton Lane are lower-lying. Although flood risk areas are generally on the far side of the railway from dwellings, one short row of houses is affected by a fluvial flood zone on Chilton Lane, and a depot, allotments and some dwellings are affected by surface water flood risk on Commercial Street. Within the “Upper Skerne” policy unit of the Tees River Basin Catchment Flood Management Plan, there are no suggested measures which specifically relate to Ferryhill, but a number of extra studies, assessments and plans are suggested.

5.40 The watercourse known as The Carrs (a tributary of the Skerne) that runs to the east of the village is classed as a Heavily Modified Water Body of “moderate” quality by the EA. The watercourse fails on chemical and ecological quality standards: levels of oxygen and ammonia, and hence invertebrates, are affected by a suspected sewage discharge, and the river is affected by sediment from arable fields and by land drainage. Mitigation measures are not suggested in the Tees WAP.

Ecology

5.41 There is a cluster of protected habitats in between Ferryhill and the railway. These include:

The Carrs LNR/ SSSI: lowland fen, open water, ASNW and scrub Ferryhill Stell/ Grassland LWS: semi-improved neutral and herb-rich grassland and marshy grass. Ferryhill Cut LWS (in three sections): woodland and scrub; species-rich grassland and ponds; magnesian limestone grassland. Thrislington SAC is 2km from the village but severed from it by the intervening railway. It is protected for its rare grassland (CG8) but also contains ancient semi-natural woodland and conifer plantations (some on an ancient woodland site). This site is also managed as a National Nature Reserve. Recreational pressure is unlikely to be unmanageable given the existing management procedures.

5.42 The town is outside 6km from the coastal SAC/SPA.

Priorities

Supporting the regeneration of Dean Bank Mitigating flood risk at Ferryhill Station and Chilton Lane Protecting the cluster of wildlife sites along The Carrs

Planning

5.43 Two sites have been allocated for housing in Ferryhill:

LP ref Name Area

H/56 West of Newcomen Street 0.42

H/55 South of Dene Road 11.09

5.44 There are commitments to provide 33 dwellings off Gladstone Terrace, 60 at Croft Gardens, and 258 at Ferryhill Station.

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Recommendations for individual housing sites

H/55: South of Dene Road

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood DCC (ha) requirement land at 35 use risk owned dph

11.0917 200 480.00 2.50 18.03 5.38 Farmland No No

5.45 Impact upon open space provision: A predicted increase of 480 people would exacerbate existing deficiencies. It would not lead to any new quantitative deficiencies. Part of the site (the protruding eastern section) intersects with mapped ecological networks.

5.46 Access to large areas of open space: The site is under 800m from the town park (5.9 ha ) and from an area of amenity open space to the south of the town (3.1 ha)

5.47 Development on this site should:

Include structural planting on its southern boundary.

Retain access along the existing Right of Way that runs along part of the eastern boundary and crosses part of the site Incorporate existing hedges, trees and other features of ecological value on site

H/56: West of Newcomen Street

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood DCC (ha) requirement land at 35 use risk owned dph

Demolition Yes No 0.4157 12 28.80 0.15 28.87 0.07 site

5.48 Impact on open space provision: This site is small and the additional residents will have a small impact upon existing open space provision in the town.

5.49 Development on this site should:

Enhance the existing open space adjoining the north of the site. Respect the connectivity inherent in the existing townscape.

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5.5 Fishburn

Fishburn: overview

Introduction

5.50 Fishburn was a nucleated village in 1860; it acquired some pit terraces with the advent of a colliery to the south of the village and a larger area of local authority semi-detached houses in the post-war era, together with a private housing estate to the north. In comparison with many nearby settlements, it is not deprived, although an area of the village centre is within the 20-30% most deprived areas in the country.

Open space

5.51 Open space is calculated on the basis of electoral districts, and Fishburn falls within a larger one, so it is difficult to establish quantitative sufficiency or otherwise. The village has a reasonable amount of public open space within the settlement (a recreation ground, allotment site, school field and sundry patches of amenity open space). An important contribution to its open space comes in the shape of the former colliery site to the south-west, now reclaimed and planted.

Flooding and water quality

5.52 Fishburn is elevated above the flood zone associated with the river Skerne to the south of the village. There are few surface water flood risk zones within the village itself but an extensive one covers the industrial estate to the south. The CFMP does not recommend any measures which specifically affect the town.

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5.53 The Skerne at this point (Source to Carrs) is a heavily-modified water body classed as having “moderate” ecological potential. Invertebrate levels are classed as “poor” – attributed to the effects of physical modification of the river. Phosphate levels are “moderate”, attributed to sewage pollution. This has affected phytobenthos levels. Relevant mitigation measures within the WAP include: silt reduction interventions at adjacent farms; reinstatement of bypass channel at Hurworth reservoir; other habitat enhancement measures.

Ecology

5.54 Mapped ecological networks are focused on the reclaimed colliery site to the south-west. Partially used for grazing, it also contains areas of plantation woodland and magnesian limestone grassland, and ponds. The village is c. 4.5 km from the Thrislington SAC. It is well over 6km from the coastal SAC/SPA.

Priorities

Addressing the ecological condition of the Skerne Maintaining the existing supply of open space in good condition

Planning

5.55 One site is allocated for housing in the County Durham Plan:

LP ref Name Area

7/FB/063 Fishburn Hall Farm 3.134

5.56 There is also a commitment to build 13 dwellings at Elderberry Farm.

Recommendations for individual housing sites

H/58: Fishburn Hall Farm

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood DCC (ha) requirement land at 35 use risk owned dph

3.1336 74 177.60 0.92 23.62 1.02 Farmland No Yes

5.57 Impact upon GI provision: This site represents a quite significant increase for this settlement, which currently has 1184 dwellings and 2133 residents. It will be necessary to consider the impact upon existing open spaces, and whether new spaces should be provided on or off the site.

5.58 Development on this site should:

Incorporate an adequate stand off distance from mature trees along with structural planting to the northern and eastern perimeter. Create pedestrian links to the Parish Council-owned recreation grounds to the south Contribute towards habitat and access improvements on the former colliery site.

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5.6 Murton

Murton: overview

Introduction

5.59 The oldest terraces have mostly been demolished; later terraces (late C19th – early C20th) survive to the west of the town centre. These are closely packed, in grids, with small (if any) gardens. Clearance has left areas of amenity open space. To the east and north of this, over the next few decades large area of semi-detached houses and bungalows were built in interlinking streets and crescents. Recent redevelopment of the colliery site has taken the form of detached houses or short rows in curvilinear cul-de-sacs, with limited (but not absent) permeability and little intervening amenity open space. Several farm buildings and the church at Murton are Grade II listed. To the south-east of the village, there is a large new shopping centre with associated parking.

5.60 Much of Murton is within the 30% most deprived areas nationally. The area to the west of the village centre is within the 10% most deprived.

Open space

5.61 Against the open space typology standards, the town performs as follows:

Allotments: under-supply Amenity open space: very large supply Sports pitches: sufficient supply Parks and gardens: under-supply. The Welfare Park’s main function is as a sports complex.

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Semi-natural open space: adequate, provided in the form of the complex of protected sites to the south of the village Children’s play space: under-supply

5.62 Further to the south of the village, the former Hawthorn cokeworks has been reclaimed as amenity space. It is linked to the village by public rights of way. Part of it is allocated as an industrial site in the County Durham Plan.

Flooding and water quality

5.63 Water seems to pool to the south of the village, particularly to the south of Dalton Park shopping centre, where there is an area of surface water flood risk. Small areas throughout Murton are similarly affected. Fluvial flooding avoids the village but affects Dalton-le-Dale, downstream. In the Wear CFMP, the EA recommend that a Rapid Response catchment plan for flood incidents be developed for this watercourse. The Dalton Beck, to the south and east of the village, is classed as being of “moderate” ecological status. Invertebrate levels have been affected by biological oxygen demand, thought to be due to sewage discharge. Mitigation measures are suggested in the WAP for the area, mostly concerning improvements to sewerage systems.

Ecology

5.64 The area around Murton has a particularly good collection of protected sites. There is a cluster of wetland and grassland habitats in the marshy area to the south of the village: Hesledon Moor East SSSI and LWS, and South Murton Marsh LWS. There are herb-rich grasslands at Murton Meadows LWS, to the east of the village, and Murton Grasslands LWS to the west. Murton Bridge Carr, north of this, contains willow carr and calcareous grassland. The village is 3km from the Durham Coast SAC (at its nearest point) although the A19 intervenes. This means that, should new development occur on unallocated sites in the future, it will be necessary to consider the consequent recreational impact and whether it can be mitigated by provision or improvement of alternative dog-walking space.

Priorities

Continuing to protect designated sites Improving less functional open spaces Ensuring that new development takes opportunities to enhance existing open spaces and create pedestrian linkages

Specific projects and actions

5.65 Areas of open space with the potential for improvement include:

Land between Church Street/Dalton Terrace Land to the north of Ribbon Primary The Welfare Park has been suggested as an area “hub” in the Playing Pitch Strategy. A forthcoming Action Plan will determine whether this is the favoured site.

Planning

5.66 There are no allocations of housing land in Murton. There is a commitment to build 243 dwellings on the former Thomas Brothers site, in the centre of the village. Many other smaller sites, some of which are demolition sites, are “green” or suitable sites in the SHLAA and may be put forward for development within the Plan period, but have not been allocated because of their questionable viability at the time of writing.

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5.7 Shotton

Shotton: overview

Introduction

5.67 Roads and railways serving the colliery, to the north of the existing village, and brick and tile works to its east, described a rough oblong, the northern part of which was gradually filled in by pit terraces. In the post-war era these were almost all replaced by houses in short blocks or pairs, mostly in an irregular, dispersed layout with areas of intervening open space. At about the same time a large development of semi-detached “council” houses, in interlinking streets and crescents, was constructed

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to the west of the railway line which had hitherto formed the settlement boundary, and another, smaller, estate was constructed to the south. Gardens of variable size are provided in all cases. The industrial estate in between the village and the A19 was constructed in the 1970s and 1980s. Most of the village falls within the 10% most deprived areas in the country. Those parts that do not are within the 20% most deprived.

Open space

5.68 Open space is calculated on the basis of electoral districts, and Shotton falls within a larger one, so it is difficult to establish quantitative sufficiency or otherwise. To serve a population of 4254 people, it possesses: four allotment sites; a very large amount of amenity open space, some of which is on demolition sites; a 3.5ha recreation ground (sports pitches); and ample semi-natural open space, byt no park as such.

Flooding and water quality

5.69 A drain and surface water flow route runs from north to south through the village but not much flood risk is associated with it. There are small scattered areas of surface water flood risk throughout the village, of which the largest affects Westgarth/ Atkinson Groves in the north-east. Two of the potential housing sites (5/SH/05 and 5/SH/10) are also affected.

5.70 The Castle Eden Burn (called the Gore Burn at this point), running to the south of the village, has a “bad” ecological status. Invertebrate populations have been affected by ammonia from sewage pollution and sediment, probably from agricultural run-off. Run-off from roads and industrial estates is thought to contribute to the problem. The WAP recommends a series of measures for reducing pollution via control of surface water, some of which are being implemented by Groundwork.

Ecology

5.71 Shotton Colliery is close to the Edderacres woodland (parts of which are local wildlife sites, depending upon their make-up; some parts are ancient semi-natural woodland) and to the Castle Farm pond. Other ponds , and areas of lowland fen, are recorded in the area. Local wildlife sites include:

Part of the Hart to Haswell railway: recolonised magnesian limestone rubble, with various features along its length Haswell Wood: SW of the village: a small valley-side woodland of acidic character.

5.72 The village is within 5-6 km of the coastal SAC/SPA although the A19 intervenes. This means that, should new development occur on unallocated sites in the future, it will be necessary to consider the consequent recreational impact and whether it can be mitigated by provision or improvement of alternative dog-walking spaces.

Priorities

Supporting the forthcoming Neighbourhood Plan Supporting economic and social regeneration Improving the quality of the Gore Burn Protecting nearby wildlife sites

Specific actions and projects

The railway walk through the centre of the village: this could be improved by better maintenance and clearing

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5.73 Other open spaces with the potential for improvement through better landscaping include:

Land north of Front Street: this is an important entry route to the village and affects its image. Land at Dene Terrace: this land is limited in functionality and could provide pedestrian links along the line of the former wagonway. Land at Moore Terrace/ Gore Burn: this land, surrounding a pond, is owned by DCC but currently used as a fishing pond; access to it is via a long track. There might be the potential for improving public access and use of this site.

Planning

5.74 No development allocations are made in the village.

5.8 Thornley and Wheatley Hill

Thornley and Wheatley Hill: overview

Introduction

5.75 These two villages have similar issues and are therefore discussed together.

5.76 In both villages, the historic core has largely been removed, leaving extensive grassed areas. The settlement footprints have therefore shifted in space, in both cases moving westwards, away from former collieries. The urban fabric of the villages is now variable in style, including sections of pit terrace, Radburn-type houses, modern small detached houses and terraced houses with larger gardens; both villages also have a large estate of post-war semi-detached dwellings in interlinking

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streets and cul-de-sacs - although some houses have been demolished, leaving grassed areas. All of Thornley and most of Wheatley Hill are within the 10-20% most deprived areas in the country. The parts that are not are within the 10-20% most deprived.

Open spaces

5.77 Against the open space typology standards, the town performs as follows:

Allotments: sufficient, but under-used: some have been put forward as development sites Amenity open space: large supply Sports pitches: under-supply Parks and gardens: under-supply Semi-natural open space: large supply Children’s play space: under-supply

5.78 The large former colliery site between the villages has been landscaped and is accessible to the public via PROWs. The land to the east of that, which was also affected by mining, is now the Gore Burn Local Nature Reserve. Wheatley Hill recreation ground is suggested as a potential “hub” pitch site in the Playing Pitch Strategy.

Flooding and water quality

5.79 Thornley and Wheatley Hill are on relatively high ground so has limited flood risk; water pools on relatively low ground to the south-west and east of the villages, and also drains from the area between them, whence the Castle Eden Burn (called the Gore Burn at this point), originates.

5.80 The burn has a “bad” ecological status. Invertebrate populations have been affected by ammonia from sewage pollution and sediment, probably from agricultural run-off. Run-off from roads and industrial estates is thought to contribute to the problem. The WAP recommends a series of measures for reducing pollution via control of surface water, some of which are being implemented by Groundwork.

Ecology

5.81 BAP habitats found in the area include lowland meadow pasture, waxcap grassland, magnesian limestone grassland, lowland fen and ponds. The only protected site is the large Gore Burn Local Nature Reserve,in between Wheatley Hill and Thornley, containing lowland fen and lowland meadow pasture. The villages are c. 4.5- 3.5 km from the Castle Eden Dene SAC at its nearest point.

Priorities

Supporting social and economic regeneration Ensuring that redevelopment of demolition sites takes opportunities to link up to existing open spaces and improve them Continuing to protect and improve the Gore Burn Local Nature Reserve Reducing pollution of the Gore Burn/ Castle Eden Burn.

Specific projects

5.82 It has been suggested that the recreational impact of development in Thornley and Wheatley Hill could be mitigated via improvement of the following site:

12) Gore Burn LNR: this site, on former industrial land, contains the Gore Burn, tree belts and areas of lowland meadow pasture. There is the potential for improving access through the provision of better footpaths and signage, and improving maintenance and management.

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5.83 Demolition sites which are not to be redeveloped could be landscaped; several such sites have been identified throughout the villages, including: land at St Aidan/ Bede Crescents, Thornley; land to the rear of Peter Lee Cottages and at Wheatley Terrace, Wheatley Hill.

5.84 The recreation ground in Wheatley Hill is suggested as a potential “hub” site in the Playing Pitch Strategy; the forthcoming Action Plan will determine whether this is the favoured site.

Planning

5.85 The following potential housing sites have been shortlisted:

Plan reference SHLAA Reference Name Area

H/76 5/TH/01 Land north of Hartlepool Street 6.9

H/75 5/TH/06 Dunelm Stables 5.8

H/77 5/WH/11 West Bevan Crescent 3.6006

Recommendations for individual housing sites

H/76: North of Hartlepool Road.

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Flood Previous DCC (ha) requirement land at risk use owned 35 dph

Almost Amenity Yes none, open space surface around and on site of 6.9382 130 312.00 1.62 18.74 3.22 housing

5.86 Impact upon open space provision: The site as it stands contains a large amount of open space already (3.3 ha). The low suggested yield makes up for its loss by permitting the development to incorporate good-quality new or improved open space.

5.87 Proximity to potentially suitable dog-walking sites: The allocated site is within 500m of the Gore Burn Nature Reserve. It is felt that improvements to this, together with the incorporation of open space within the site, might deflect recreational impact from the coast.

5.88 Development should entail:

Sufficient good-quality multifunctional open space to meet the needs of new and existing residents. Connectivity/ permeability with allotments to the North, and Albert Street/ Hartlepool Street to the South

H/75: Dunelm Stables.

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood DCC (ha) requirement land at use risk owned 35 dph

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In small Stables No part, 5.8209 115 276.00 1.44 19.76 2.54 surface

5.89 Impact upon open space provision: The low suggested yield permits the development to incorporate sufficient open space to meet the needs of new residents.

5.90 Proximity to potentially suitable dog-walking sites: The allocated site is over 500m from any large public open space suitable for dog-walking. However, as stated above, it is suggested that access improvements to the Gore Burn Nature Reserve might deflect recreational impact from the coast.

5.91 Development should entail:

Sufficient good-quality open space to meet the needs of new and existing residents. Retention of existing planting and strong reinforcement of planting along eastern edge Retention of PROW through site and pedestrian access to PROW to the south SUDS to deal with the surface water flood risk area in the centre of the site Ecological connectivity with woodland along the path to the south of the site

H/77: West Bevan Crescent.

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Previous Flood risk DCC (ha) requirement land at use owned 35 dph

3.6006 80 192.00 1.00 22.22 1.31 No Farmland No

5.92 Impact upon open space provision: The low suggested yield permits the development to incorporate sufficient open space to meet the needs of new residents.

5.93 Proximity to potentially suitable dog-walking sites: The allocated site is over 500m from any large public open space suitable for dog-walking. However, as stated above, it is suggested that access improvements to the Gore Burn Nature Reserve might deflect recreational impact from the coast.

5.94 Development should entail:

Substantial perimeter planting to mitigate visual impact Inclusion of sufficient multifunctional open space to meet local recreational needs

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5.9 Wingate

Wingate: overview

Introduction

5.95 The village started life as Wingate Grange Colliery, in the south of the existing conurbation; development spread north along the road in subsequent decades, along what was then a large plantation. Post-war, the earliest terraces were demolished and replaced by semi-detached dwellings.

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At the same time, a major new housing development was built on the plantation to the north. This forms the bulk of the present village and takes the form of semi-detached houses and bungalows in interlinked streets and cul-de-sacs.

5.96 There is a very large amount of amenity open space, some of which is of poor quality and shows the signs of inappropriate use. There are extensive woodlands to the west of the village and a cluster of protected sites to the east. Large areas of the village (predominantly, the western part, which has a greater amount of council ownership) are within the 10-20% most deprived areas in the country.

Open spaces

5.97 Against the open space typology standards, the town performs as follows:

Allotments: under-supply

Amenity open space: large supply

Sports pitches: sufficient

Parks and gardens: absent

Semi-natural open space: sufficient

Children’s play space: under-supply

5.98 Current planning proposals entail the creation of additional open spaces.

Flooding and water quality

5.99 A fluvial flood zone associated with issues runs through the south of the village. The land is at variable levels around the village and the relatively low ground in the village centre means that a large area of the village is at risk of surface water flooding; it affects open spaces to the east and west of the centre and new housing to the north of it too. There are scattered areas in residential streets and on playing fields in the northern part of the village but nothing as widespread as in the centre.

5.100 The watercourse running through the flood zone becomes the Crimdon Beck; it is classed as being of “moderate” quality, on the basis of expert judgement; no reasons for failure are given and no mitigation measures suggested in the WAP.

Ecology

5.101 Mapped ecological networks in the area include large plantations to the west and south-west of the village, and the site of the former clay pits to the east. Ponds on the site are protected as the Wellfield Brick Ponds LWS. A short distance to the east of the village, the former Hart to Haswell railway line,which has become colonised by magnesian limestone grassland flora, is also a LWS. The village is some 6km from the coastal SAC.

Priorities

Improving poor-quality open spaces Supporting social and economic regeneration Mitigating flood risk

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Specific projects

5.102 It has been suggested that the potential recreational impact of residential development in the village could be met by improvement of the following site:

13) Wingate Pit : The site is a hill comprising predominantly of grassland with a dilapidated youth shelter and some trees at its peak. There is some informal use for grazing. A network of footpaths cross the northern end of the site but do not cross the hill. Access to the site is in general not obvious as it is separated from the main road by a long terrace, then by a row of allotments and a hedge with few defined spaces. Some access points are narrow and unprepossessing. A PROW runs round the northern boundary of the site, linking the village to allotments and country roads to its west. Depending on the terrain and the way in which the site was reclaimed, it may be possible to put in place planting schemes which would improve the appearance of the site and its value for informal walking. Access to the site could be improved, with footpaths across the site.

5.103 Other specific projects and actions in the village include: the creation of a “hub” playing pitch site at the existing Welfare Park; landscaping of demolition sites and areas of amenity open space around dwellings.

Planning

5.104 The following site has been allocated for housing:

H/74: East of Martindale Walk.

Area Dwellings Residents OS Density “Spare” Flood Previous DCC (ha) requirement land at 35 risk use owned dph

5.4751 161 386.40 2.01 29.41 0.88 No Greenfield No

5.105 Planning proposals for this site have already been submitted and entail the creation of large areas of public open space.

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