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Quakers' £12m plan poised for approval
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| SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME? An artist's impression of the £12m development, near Darlington Football Club stadium, that would include a hotel and sporting complex |
A MULTI-million pound development which could safeguard the future of a North-East football club looks likely to be given the go-head.
The £12m plan to build a hotel and sporting complex alongside Darlington FC's stadium is being seen as the last hope for the future viability of the cash-strapped Quakers.
Planners at Darlington Borough Council have recommended that the scheme for the League Two club, which includes a 100-bed hotel, a pub and coffee shop, office space and training pitches, is recommended for approval.
The recommendation comes despite certain aspects of the development not complying with planning legislation.
However, planning officers have said the overall scheme will be of great benefit to the club and to the town.
Regional development agency One NorthEast has urged the council to ensure the club pursues the highest standards in the development of the site.
In the planning report to councillors, it states: "On balance, it is considered that although certain elements of the submitted scheme do not strictly comply with planning policy, the proposal as a package, which secures other environmental improvements and mitigation, will nevertheless provide a level of support to Darlington Football Club, which has been an integral part of Darlington's social and economic life for a century."
In the past, the club has said it needs to rely on non-football activities to keep it afloat and fund the costs of the playing squad and 25,000-seater stadium.
Last night, fans welcomed the planning officers' recommendation.
Andy Smith, from the Darlington FC Supporters Club, said: "This will not only be of benefit to Darlington Football Club, but the excellent facilities would be of great benefit to the town and surrounding area.
"If it gets the go-ahead, it will be tremendous."
If the application is passed, the football club will be subject to a number of conditions. These include payments of £79,000 to create an off-site wildlife habitat, £45,000 for a bridleway network, and money for enhancement to public transport facilities.
Up to 1,100 residents were notified of the application and only ten letters of objection were received.
One protestor wrote: "The club's present difficulties are the result of the ill-advised decision to build an enormous new stadium, way beyond what was needed, away from all the town centre conveniences of its previous location.
"It would be unforgivable to compound this error now by allowing the club and other interested parties to destroy the rest of this part of town forever in a financially-motivated attempt to make good the losses, which have resulted in that first bad decision.
"Two wrongs do not make a right; they make an even bigger, uglier wrong."
A spokeswoman for Darlington Football Club said: "The plans have been submitted and amended and we have had fruitful discussions with Darlington Borough Council."
The planning committee meets at 1.30pm, next Wednesday, in the club room at Darlington Arts Centre.
* Share your views about the £12m plans at Darlington FC's stadium via the form below.
6:02am Thursday 27th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Aidan, Newcastle upon Tyne on 1:09pm Thu 27 Mar 08
I am a Darlington FC season ticket holder and I welcome this development which will benefit both the club and the town. Ideally I would have preferred the club to stay at Feethams and upgraded those facilities, but that is behind us and we must move on. The lack of support from people from Darlington at matches this season is a disgrace. Considering we are currently in fourth place in the league, we should be getting gates of at least five thousand. So those who complain about these plans should be aware that if they have not attended home matches, they are putting the club`s future in doubt. Darlington FC must do whatever is necessary to secure it`s future, and I welcome their ambitious inititive.
I am a Darlington FC season ticket holder and I welcome this development which will benefit both the club and the town. Ideally I would have preferred the club to stay at Feethams and upgraded those facilities, but that is behind us and we must move on. The lack of support from people from Darlington at matches this season is a disgrace. Considering we are currently in fourth place in the league, we should be getting gates of at least five thousand. So those who complain about these plans should be aware that if they have not attended home matches, they are putting the club`s future in doubt. Darlington FC must do whatever is necessary to secure it`s future, and I welcome their ambitious inititive.
Posted by: Danny, Darlington on 3:58pm Thu 27 Mar 08
I am very glad that Darlington are not getting the crowds they expect. This town does not need a football team, there are too many better teams in the local area. This town can easily do without.
I am very glad that Darlington are not getting the crowds they expect. This town does not need a football team, there are too many better teams in the local area. This town can easily do without.
Posted by: Phil on 4:12pm Thu 27 Mar 08
This is great news for the club and Mr Houghton who deserves credit for putting his own money into the club. However if the Echo reporter had taken time to read the planning notice it seems very unlikely they will get the go ahead for the hotel or the pub. Another journalist looking at headlines rather than facts.
This is great news for the club and Mr Houghton who deserves credit for putting his own money into the club. However if the Echo reporter had taken time to read the planning notice it seems very unlikely they will get the go ahead for the hotel or the pub. Another journalist looking at headlines rather than facts.
Posted by: Paul, Darlington on 6:33pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Danny. Were you bullied at school?
Danny. Were you bullied at school?
Posted by: Claire on 8:12pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Paul, were you??!!!
Posted by: Paul, Darlington on 8:22pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Yes
Posted by: Andrew, Torino on 8:45pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Danny are you from Hartlepool or just plain stupid? or both maybe?
Danny are you from Hartlepool or just plain stupid? or both maybe?
Posted by: Andrew, nr. Barnard Castle on 10:52pm Thu 27 Mar 08
I think its a great thing that this has been given the go-ahead. Im quite suprised that [italic]Danny[/italic] suggests this town doesnt need a football club. No town needs a football club, but loads have them, and there wud be a demand in darlington, but the tickets are unreasnobly priced. and one thing the club needs to think about is the fact that its almost the same price to go watch boro play as it is darlington(3 leagues below).
I think its a great thing that this has been given the go-ahead. Im quite suprised that
Danny suggests this town doesnt need a football club. No town needs a football club, but loads have them, and there wud be a demand in darlington, but the tickets are unreasnobly priced. and one thing the club needs to think about is the fact that its almost the same price to go watch boro play as it is darlington(3 leagues below).
Posted by: Aidan, Newcastle upon Tyne on 11:43pm Thu 27 Mar 08
Andrew, Boro prices range from £24-£32 and Darlo £15-£16 for adults. I`d rather see Darlo winning most of their home games than see Boro lose most of there`s.What about loyality to ones local football club?
Danny, Darlington would not be the town it is without it`s football and cricket teams at Feethams.
Andrew, Boro prices range from £24-£32 and Darlo £15-£16 for adults. I`d rather see Darlo winning most of their home games than see Boro lose most of there`s.What about loyality to ones local football club?
Danny, Darlington would not be the town it is without it`s football and cricket teams at Feethams.
Posted by: Andrew, nr. Barnard Castle on 9:00am Fri 28 Mar 08
Aidan, which in relation to the amount of leagues darlington are below middlesboro, regardless of the quality is still what id call expensive. I too would rather go watch darlington, but for people who are thinking about starting going regularly to football matches you can understand surely that there is alot of competition from the higher league clubs. newcastle, sunderland, middlesboro, and even hartlepool. However i think if we go up, and hopefully dont raise ticket prices, more people might start to come.
Aidan, which in relation to the amount of leagues darlington are below middlesboro, regardless of the quality is still what id call expensive. I too would rather go watch darlington, but for people who are thinking about starting going regularly to football matches you can understand surely that there is alot of competition from the higher league clubs. newcastle, sunderland, middlesboro, and even hartlepool. However i think if we go up, and hopefully dont raise ticket prices, more people might start to come.
Posted by: footifan, Darlington on 9:43am Fri 28 Mar 08
Andrew to use pricing as an excuse is indeed very lame.
The club could do no more to attract fans,
Senior citizens £10,
Adults £12 when the 8 for 10 offer is used.
Children FREE.
People like yourself are happy to comment about the club but not support them,using any feeble excuse they can.
Andrew to use pricing as an excuse is indeed very lame.
The club could do no more to attract fans,
Senior citizens £10,
Adults £12 when the 8 for 10 offer is used.
Children FREE.
People like yourself are happy to comment about the club but not support them,using any feeble excuse they can.
Posted by: LT, Hurworth on 6:50pm Wed 2 Apr 08
Andrew, please learn how to spell Middlesbrough.
As a local resident I think they are pushing the town boundries a little to far toward the lovely picturesque village of Hurworth. The stadium spoils my view of the countryside as it is, now I will have to suffer more ugly buildings!
Andrew, please learn how to spell Middlesbrough.
As a local resident I think they are pushing the town boundries a little to far toward the lovely picturesque village of Hurworth. The stadium spoils my view of the countryside as it is, now I will have to suffer more ugly buildings!
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