Golf club plan finds the rough

Nov 26 2007 by Liz Hands, The Journal

AN MP has branded plans to build a business park and houses on the site of a prestigious golf club as “entirely unsuitable.”

Roberta Blackman-Woods, MP for Durham, has formally objected to a proposal by local property developers Banks to build a £150m development on the 85-acre site of Mount Oswald’s Golf Club.

Banks say the development proposals include “prestige office space as well as a hotel, 30 executive homes, the restoration and conversion of Mount Oswald Manor into office space and the introduction of new water features within the site.”

Mark Dowdell, the company’s community development officer, said: “The proposals would include public parkland, whereas at present the open space is used only by golfers.

“It would also include a world class knowledge-based business park. We are happy to talk to anybody to try to allay their concerns but we do feel this is potentially a marvellous opportunity for Durham.”

The company also claims the proposal would create 3,800 new jobs, but Ms Blackman Woods retorted: “The sheer scale of the proposed development, its potential impact on the road network and the fact that it completely disregards planning policy make the proposal entirely unsuitable for a city which prides itself on its unique character, open spaces and quality of life.”

Ms Blackman Woods has written to Durham City planners to oppose the application “on behalf of a great number of Durham City residents who are deeply concerned.”

She said: “I believe the scale of this development is far too large.

“The amount of jobs predicted will not be jobs created, they will simply be transferred to the site from elsewhere.

“The houses they want to build are so-called executive houses, not affordable housing.

“And the development will be using up open space. Exercise is important and this proposal would be depriving the city of a golf course where the public has access, it is not a members’ only club.

“It will also create an unacceptable increase in traffic.”

Conservation group The City of Durham Trust has also opposed the plan.

The trust, which aims to preserve the environment and historic buildings of Durham, believes the Mount Oswald site should be used for offices only and business tenants should be lined up before building begins.

Its members are also worried trees will be lost.