This meeting will include, for discussion, the addition of a public footpath to the Definitive Map and proposals for changes to parking restrictions in Crook and Barnard Castle.

Definitive Map Modification Application - Trimdon Station Walkway

The Committee will be asked to approve the addition of the Trimdon Station Walkway to the Definitive Map and Statement as a public footpath.

This follows an application made to the council in November 2022. The application was made after Durham County Council's Clean and Green team erected a fence at the eastern end of the path preventing access from Station Road. The report pack includes the original application, and all of the representations that were made for and against the application, and includes details of correspondence from local resident Mrs L Beston, the Chair of Trimdon Parish Council, local Councillor L Hovvels, and PCSO Rona Stocks from Durham Constabulary.

The officer's report states that:

As advised by Officers, there was sufficient evidence to demonstrate sustained use by the public as a footpath but not a bridleway (horse riders and cyclists).

The report pack also includes details of an alternative route proposed by officers. The report states that:

Mike Ogden, The Access and Public Rights of Way Team Leader added Officers were supportive of an alternative route which would take the path around private property. The timeline could be compressed by starting informal discussions on a diverted footpath however, the modification order would have needed to be agreed before that could happen.

Crook Parking & Waiting Restrictions, Traffic Regulation Amendment Order 2024

The committee has been asked to consider proposals for changes to the Crook Parking & Waiting Restrictions Traffic Regulation Order in Billy Row following concerns raised about obstructive parking.

The changes would see the introduction of ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions at the junction of Billy Row Green and the B6289.

Objections to the proposals were received during the consultation period:

5 properties have objected to this proposal at the formal and informal consultation stage, the reasons for their objections have been summarised below:

 “I would prefer residential parking as residents can’t get parked due to the pub customers.”  “Lines in front of my house would deprive us of our parking space. The people parking greenside are the ones blocking the road. We would be the only house with yellow lines on both sides”.  “Unfair, double yellow lines directly outside no.3, maybe just go to dropped kerb”.

Barnard Castle Parking & Waiting Restrictions, Traffic Regulation Amendment Order 2024

The committee has been asked to consider proposals for changes to the Traffic Regulation Order in Barnard Castle.

The changes would see the introduction of ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions in:

• Vere Road, to address concerns about obstructive parking raised by residents and to improve access for service vehicles.
• Newgate, to address concerns about obstructive parking at the junctions of Hepsworth Close, North View and Wood Street.
• The Sills, to address concerns about obstructive parking and to create a passing place for vehicles.
• Flatts Road, to prevent parking over a fire hydrant.

Objections were received about the proposals from residents who say the changes would:

 “reduce the parking spaces available in Barnard Castle”  “deprive residents of several parking spaces”  “further reduce the current already dire parking situation"