Concerned councillors have refused plans for a drive-through restaurant and five retail units due to its potential negative impact on nearby Spennymoor town centre writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
The proposal at Thinford Park was part of a planned expansion of the growing site at the intersection of the A167 and A688, which is currently home to drive-through restaurants from Costa and Burger King alongside Domino’s and One Gym.
No Ordinary Estates, the applicant, said the new units would generate investment and provide several new jobs. But members warned approving the proposal would risk the ongoing redevelopment of Spennymoor town centre.
Cllr Mark Wilkes told a committee meeting: “There are dozens of empty shops in the town centre; I don’t understand why we are being asked to approve this.
“We have no idea what businesses will end up being in these premises.”
The Thinford site has been subjected to long-running planning delays and changes. Travelodge was expected to open a new hotel before plans fell through several years ago, with part of the building now set to be used as offices.
Yet, the Liberal Democrat member said the council’s project to improve Spennymoor town centre should be prioritised, and other nearby areas would be better suited to host the development.
He added: “Spennymoor is not unique in having a lot of empty properties.
“There is a huge amount being done to try and revitalise Spennymoor, and in recent years we have even received funding for this – £20 million I understand.
“It strikes me that this is actually seeking to copy a town centre at Thinford on one of the busiest roundabouts in the county.”
Members of Durham County Council’s planning committee unanimously refused the plans at a meeting on Tuesday.
“It’s pretty clear that out of town developments – in Durham City or Bishop Auckland – [have] impacted those town centres significantly and left them struggling with empty properties,” he added.
“In Gilesgate and the Arnison Centre, what are supposed to be out of town areas, start to get opticians, phone shops, or hairdressers – the precise things that we want to keep in our town centers to make sure that they are viable.”
Representatives from No Ordinary Estates did not respond to the concerns at the meeting.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
