March 11th 2008 Latest news : Following message received from our County Councillor would seem to indicate that the HIghways Dept have "bowed to diplomatic pressure" as far as having a public consultation with local residents over traffic implications is concerned: "Dear Mr Fergusson, I can now respond to your request for a more public meeting with DCCs highways Officer re the proposed development at Newfield. Apparantly Stephen Reed plans to have another public meeting/exhibition in a couple of months time, presumably to discuss a future Persimmon planning application. At that point, our David Stewart has agreed to attend Chester-le-st Civic centre with Stephen Reed and deal with questions from members of the public. dates and times to be confirmed. regards, Cllr Jim Cordon JP." As always the devil is in the detail but on the surface this would seem to be the opportunity for a dialogue that we have been campaigning for for so long. Stephen Reed has confirmed to me that if Highways Dept participate in his roadshow, when it is held following the submission of the revised application, then there will still be time for them (Highways) to take into account any points made by the public, if they (Highways) so desire, since otherwise it would be a pointless exercise. I will circularize this news to the rest of the email network as advance publicity since we will want to ensure maximum participation on the day itself.



You can now see the latest plans that have been submitted :: Go to: http://planning.chester-le-street.gov.uk/publicaccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx and enter the application reference number in the search screen at the top of the page (app reference is - 07/00488/FUL)

Latest News::
***** Please Note *****
that the meeting for the 4th has been cancelled - hopefully you all received the letter and or email from Iain - see the blog for latest comments - and feel free to leave yours.
Monday 4th February 2008 . Chester-le-Street District Council Planning Committee to hold a special meeting starting at 6.30 pm at the Civic Centre to discuss Persimmon Homes' planning application for Newfield Farm development. PLEASE TRY TO ATTEND IF THE ISSUE AFFECTS YOU!!! The level of local interest shown will influence the outcome! If you have a transport problem please put a message via the "Contact" page - we might be able to help.
Fri 25th January 2008. Durham County Council Highways Dept have not responded to our and Cllr Cordon's requests for a public meeting. This is now unlikely to happen in view of the short time available.
Mon 7 January 2008: This was a most successful and well attended "interactive" meeting! Cllr Cordon is to ask Durham County Council Highways Dept for a similar public meeting to discuss roads and traffic aspects concerning the latest proposals from Persimmon Homes.
Sat 5 January 2008: Consultation by Chester-le-Street District Council with residents to discuss latest proposals. Time 11.30 - 3 pm. Venue: Newfield Inn (opposite Sports College)
Thur 20 December 2007 Presentation by Persimmon Homes of their revised proposals for Newfield Farm development, now further expanded to 270 houses. Venue as before: Newfield Primary School (opposite Sports College). Time: 4 - 7:30 pm
Mon 5 November 2007: Persimmon Homes have withdrawn their planning application for 252 houses and replaced it with a new application for 270 houses.

We have heard a rumour that Persimmons will be doing a presentation for their latest plan for building. This will be held at Newfield Primary school on thurs pm . this has not been confirmed but feel free to ring the Civic Centre, ask for the planning department and see if you can get information.