Park preserved as village green following campaign
Mo Meldrum, MOVAA centuries-old parkland has achieved protected status as a village green after years of campaigning.
Residents in Darlington have been trying to get the local authority to "grant a green" at Blackwell Parkland to prevent development on it since 2018.
It is the last remaining Georgian Pleasure Park in the town and it was the setting for the Blackwell Grange Hotel, which was built in 1710 and is a Grade II* listed building.
Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for economy Chris McEwan said the decision to recognise the land as a village green "helps to ensure it remains protected for community use, recreation and enjoyment for generations to come."
He added it acknowledged the "long-standing value of this area".
Following the cabinet vote in favour of the move, the executive director of public protection, Trevor Watson, will make the application to the relevant Commons Registration Authority, in this case Darlington Council, for the land to be registered as village green.
The land will then be recorded in a legal document known as the Register of Town or Village Greens.
'Vital for well-being'
The Open Spaces Society, a national conservation body, said it was pleased the local authority had approved of the parkland becoming a village green.
Case officer Helen Monger said: "We commend Darlington Borough Council for its agreement voluntarily to register Blackwell Parkland as a town and village green and the steadfast efforts of every local campaigner through the Parklands Heritage Network in the lead up to this momentous decision.
"Registration provides long-term protection and ensures the public's right for future enjoyment and access are safeguarded, which is vital for everyone's well-being."
Parkland Heritage coordinators, Angela and Michael Green said Blackwell Parkland was "unique for Darlington".
"There are no other sites within the area that can demonstrate Blackwell's qualities, and we are delighted that this land will be safeguarded for the enjoyment of Darlington residents for the future," they said.
