Planners to recommend Weardale eco village

Sep 26 2009 by Neil McKay, The Journal

A cable car would link the eco-village to an area known as The Tops, where a complex including a cafe, viewing platforms and a bird watching centre are planned. Also included in the plan is a dry toboggan run.

A report to Durham County Council by case officer Sarah Eldridge recommends permission be granted when the scheme goes before the planning committee on Tuesday.

She said: “Over the past decade, Weardale has had to grapple with the after-effects of the foot-and-mouth epidemic and subsequently a series of closures of key employment sites.

“It is considered that the proposals have a direct positive contribution towards addressing the current education, skills and labour deficiencies that exist within Weardale and the wider county.”

The scheme has attracted 112 objections. These include the fear of noise from sporting events and spectators, an “unbearable” increase in traffic, fears of a disruption to wildlife, and the creation of a “theme park” in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

But local county councillor John Shuttleworth said: “This is the best offer we have on the table to create jobs. Without jobs you may as well shut down rural areas.”

The meeting takes place at County Hall, Durham at 2pm on Tuesday and is open to the public.