A conservation area for a Darlington village has been proposed to celebrate and help protect its historic character.
Next year’s bicentennial celebrations of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR) have inspired council officials to consult residents on plans for the proposed site in Middleton St George.
The village to the east of Darlington includes non-designated heritage assets of international significance due to structures and associations directly linked to the birth/early years of the S&DR of 1825. In the run-up to 2025, heritage assets at Middleton St George have been promoted through the neighbourhood plan, S&DR Heritage Action Zone and Fighting Cocks Heritage Hub.
Proposed conservation area boundaries not only relate directly to the S&DR but also to other early development of the village, which used to be very industrialised due to the railway links.
Councillors approved a draft appraisal at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, paving the way for a survey on the scheme. The draft appraisal also includes suggestions to improve the condition of the area in line with the aims of the Middleton St George Neighbourhood Plan and the Fighting Cocks Heritage Hub.
In 2017, Historic England accepted the whole 26-mile route of the former S&DR as a Heritage Action Zone, following an application by the railway’s heritage board. Launched in May 2018, the S&DR HAZ aimed to better manage, preserve and utilise heritage assets with a view to stimulating economic growth through various projects in the build-up to the railway’s bicentenary in 2025.
Several events will be hosted in Darlington and elsewhere in the region to celebrate the birth of the modern railway.
Councillor Chris McEwan, cabinet member for economy, said: “It’s been some time since we’ve looked at this, but more importantly, with the link between Middleton St George and the 2025 railway anniversary, it’s right and proper that we do this work.” Further details on the proposed conservation area can be found here.
