GENERAL MEETING - Bowburn & Parkhill Community Partnership - Charity Number 1112151
Tuesday 15 May 2018 from 6.00pm
Present: M Bell, J Blackburn, J Blakey, R Cowen, J Geyer, K Griffiths, B Grove, M McKeon, G Parker, S
Raine, J Richardson, M Ridley, E Smith, M Syer, S Walworth
In attendance: R Brewis (DCC), D Cullingford (Citrus), Cllr Stuart Dunn, M Humphrey (Lichfield), K Rooney
(Sistra Transport Consultant), D Wafer (DCC Traffic Manager)
1.Apologies: D Paget, James Taylor (Lichfield)
2. Declarations of interest: Declarations of interests would be made as required throughout this agenda.
3. Integra 61 Update:
David Cullingford (project director, on behalf of Citrus) said things had been moving very quickly on the
inclusion of a major new occupier. Terms had been agreed and solicitors instructed but contracts had not been
exchanged and would not be unless the occupier was confident that the building could be fully operational by
March 2020. The building would take about 15 months to complete so a start must be made by Autumn 2018.
The identity of the operator could not be revealed at this early stage - a non-disclosure agreement has been
signed to this effect and, in any event, David said it would not be appropriate until after contracts had been
exchanged, so now is an extremely sensitive period.
The operator could locate anywhere in the country but has chosen this site because of its closeness to the
A1(M) and the excellent labour catchment; it would employ approximately 2,000 staff.
To demonstrate that the operator’s timescale can be met, obtaining planning permission in July is critical. The
development would be in line with the existing outline consent, but there are three separate applications that
require approval: 1) A new roundabout on the A688 (with access to and from this occupier for HGV’s) – this
application has already been submitted; 2) A reserved matters application for the proposed building itself; 3) A
S73 application to vary some aspects of the outline consent – including the size of the building.
Aerial drawings of the Integra 61 site showing the new proposal, were displayed. The building would be
sited at the south end of Integra 61 i.e. nearest to Tursdale. The building would have a smaller footprint than
originally shown on the masterplan, at 500,000sq ft instead of 750,000sq ft, but it would be 4/5m higher.
A question and answer session followed.
It was asked if “horizontal colours” could disguise the building at a distance. David said that the company
concerned use branding corporate colouring, which might make this difficult, but he suggested that existing
landscaping, plus the raised nature of the Leamside Line embankment and further measures, would help to
make the building less obtrusive from the west.
It was enquired if there was interest in other sites in the overall development. David said that interest had
increased with signs that work was starting on site and would increase when this new development was under
way. This would be one of the largest of its kind in the country being bigger than Hitachi, at Aycliffe. An early
interest in a pub/hotel had been dropped, because of doubts about pedestrian access. There had been some
other enquiries, such as a drive-through coffee shop.
It was enquired if there was interest in other sites in the overall development. David said that marketing had
been deliberately low key until works had commenced on site and that interest was now being shown following
the recent site clearance works and this was expected to increase significantly when this new development
was under way, accelerating the delivery timescale for the entire scheme. Infrastructure works on the site
should be completed in about a year’s time in mid-2019.This would be one of the largest developments of its
kind in the country being bigger than Hitachi, at Aycliffe. Strong interest from a family pub/restaurant and lodge
operator had recently been withdrawn due to concerns over the timing for re-routing the existing
footpath. There had been some other enquiries, such as a drive-through coffee shop.
A member asked why the new operator would be sited at the end of the site near Tursdale and David
explained that the masterplan had always shown this as being the most appropriate location for a large unit, as
this was the least constrained part of the site and unaffected by the existing sewage works compound.
It was then asked if this meant that there would be problems for the residents of Tursdale, and whether more
could be said about the nature of the industry in which the operator was involved, and what sorts of jobs would
be created. David repeated that there would be no adverse impact on residents in his opinion but could not
say more about the nature of the operator’s business at this stage. However, the 2,000 jobs would be “across
the spectrum”. There would be two shifts, working round the clock, with about 1,000 employees per shift.
It was thought urgent by one member that a left-turn-only exit was created from the motorway service station
otherwise there would be more, potentially fatal accidents and traffic delays. it was mentioned that there was
such a provision on the A688 at Binchester. DCC traffic manager (Dave Wafer) said that some drivers would
choose to turn left, when the first new roundabout was built on the A688 nearby. However, to make that
obligatory would require a legal process, which could lead to objections, and thereby delay the whole process.
David pointed out that the shift-work pattern would mean no more people going to and from work, at any one
time, than would have been the case with the original (outline) proposal. David said the occupier would not
come to this site if it was not satisfied that traffic flows would work and appeared to support this. it was also
suggested that dcc should now be considering commencing the legal process in respect of a LH only turn
Pick up a weed and a piece of paper every day to keep your pavements clear
The traffic manager said that the details of the A1(M) roundabout were now being looked at in detail and DCC
would be doing the highways works on behalf of Highways England and were due to be completed by
mid-2019. It was pointed out that the existing lane system was a disaster.
It was asked whether the solar farm was going ahead as part of the proposed occupier’s development, but
David said they were not linked and the occupier would probably have PVs on the roof.
A member asked if a new bus service would be created, to serve the development and the traffic manager said
employers were more likely to put on buses for their employees. Systra pointed out that there was provision
on-site for staff bus services. The same member asked if the new operator was known to be benevolent to
nearby communities, but David did not know.
David was asked to consider the above issues when submitting a planning application for the new operation
and to consider issues relating to noise, particularly as this is proposed to be a 24/7 operation close to
Tursdale, the potential impact on long range views of the limestone magnesian escarpment and on the
benefits of Natural Capital as indicated in the proposed revisions to the NPPF.
David hoped that the application would be supported as enquiries of this nature are very rare and it would
bring huge benefits to the area and wider region particularly in terms of jobs.
David and his team were thanked for their attendance and left the meeting at 7.00pm.
4. Security: (i) Police update 13/04/2018 -11/05/2018: Burglary - 4 incidents, 2 of these are from businesses;
Theft - 9 incidents, 5 of these are from businesses: Criminal Damage - 6 criminal damages 3 of these were
from the same property and this is being investigated; Anti-social Behaviour (ASB) - 6 incidents
The police will be conducting regular patrols in the area. They are also investigating complaints of ASB on the
garages behind the old Co-op in Bowburn.
Walkabout: Friday 8 June at 10.00am Colliery Roads; meet at Bowburn Community Centre.
5. Minutes: Minutes of the General Meeting 17 April 2018: The minutes were approved and agreed.
Permission General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): Members present gave their consent to be
contacted by email in future.
6. Finances: i) Treasurer’s report: Expenditure since the last meeting was £96. £13 has been collected in Tea
and Raffle monies, £68 from the quiz, and £250 for the Fun Day.
Youth Club application to the Community Fund: The payment for the Xmas Party has been made.
Endowment Fund: The fund amounts to £9631.60 with £682.32 available for grants.
6ii) Raffle: R Cowen won the prize kindly donated by Joyce Geyer. Maura McKeon will donate a prize in June.
6iii) Quiz: Winners of the ‘Astronomy’ quiz were 1st D Thompson, 2nd P Hutchinson, 3rd B & J Coleman
The new quiz ‘Astronomy V Astrology’ is on sale at £1 with a closing date of 12 May 2018.
7. Item for Any Other Business: Area around the ‘old’ Coop.
8. LOCAL REPORTS:
8i)Planning issues:
Hill Top View: If a footpath is constructed to the A177, it would have to be paid for by local County Councillors.
Parkhill development: Ongoing.
Bowburn Hall: A retrospective planning application has been submitted for the biomass boiler, and planners
are to meet with residents who are affected.
Anaerobic digester: Trees have been planted to screen the digester.
Green space at Tunstall Avenue/Lawson Road: There were no objections to the application to incorporate part
of this in a garden.
8ii) Community Centre: The new floor will be laid in the LHG room this week.
8iii) Youth Club (Contact 0778827732): David is now on paternity leave for a month and is due back to work on
11 June. An Annual Report should be ready for circulation in the next few weeks. All Youth Clubs are going
well and despite the good weather are still getting good numbers to all sessions. A Pilates class has been
added to the time table for girls 11-17 years and is proving very popular. After the success of the Easter Club
Joanne have been involved in meetings regarding a summer holiday club and funding for this is currently
being sort by members of the group.
Playscheme: The same partners (Youth Centre, Partnership and Community Centre) are organising a summer
holiday scheme over four weeks. The Partnership has agreed to act as banker and is submitting funding
applications to the AAP and CDCF.
Durham Plan it was mentioned that the Preferred Options were to be considered by the Cabinet and to be
published shortly
8iv) Primary school: A planning application has not been lodged because of an objection from Sport England to
the amount of playing space being lost from the Junior School and Infant School site; this has been called in
Pick up a weed and a piece of paper every day to keep your pavements clear
by the Secretary of State. CISWO has objected to the parking spaces on the entrance road. The opening date
for the school has now been put back to January 2020. Issues around drainage need to be addressed.
9. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: The Enterprise drop-in did not bring in many businesses, but Cllr McKeon
hopes to benefit our area by being in contact with Durham Sparks and being invited to the Rotary Club.
10. REPORTS IN THE WIDER AREA:
10i)AAP: An application for the summer holiday club will be submitted this week
Next meeting 3 July in Trimdon Community College starting at 5.00pm
10ii) County Councillor roundup:
Cllr Dunn had discussions with DCC officers concerning Integra 61 and a safe route to school; is highlighting
fly-tipping as a problem in our area. A member asked about sustainable travel particularly cycling to new
developments in the South East of the county including Integra 61 and new housing in Bowburn/Parkhill and
Coxhoe and hoped it would be adequately addressed in the County Plan when published.
Cllr Blakey and Cllr McKeon had accompanied a new PCSO on the ‘walkabout’, and focussed on Anti-social
Behaviour, graffiti, and speeding on the C12A. Water problems at Park Hill are to be investigated, ruts are to
be filled, and the giant planters are to be removed and not replaced.
Cllr McKeon has seen the start of the Park & Stride for both the Infant and Junior schools.
10iii) Cassop-cum-Quarrington Parish Council Meeting 18 April 2018:
The Parish Clerk is awaiting guidance on whether a Data Protection Officer will be required under GDPR which
comes into force on 25 May. If so, it cannot be the Clerk or a Councillor; it must be an independent person.
The Parish received a report on progress of the Neighbourhood Plan. It was hoped a deadline for the final
phase of the plan would be confirmed at the next meeting (n.b. not now possible)
The P3 grant claim for funding of strimming of footpaths and rights of way in the Parish during 2018 had been
submitted and subsequently approved for the 2018/19 grass cutting season.
Next meeting 16 May at Bowburn
Litter pick: Saturday 2 June – meet at 9.30am in the car park of the Community Centre
Coal Column: Keepmoat meeting 6 June – a public art piece.
10iv) Quarry Liaison: The footpath under dispute is still being considered; there is an application to work
towards Cassop; The works to restore the landscape at the Quarrington Hill end of Cold Knuckles Quarry were
noted and that the quarry had been requested again to consider a gentler path up this in addition to the current
zigzags.
There has been a request to address the slippage on St Paul’s graveyard, and the flooding around the field
near the ponds and at the kissing-gate.
11. Group Noticeboard:
(i)Banner: The Centenary banner is still in Norfolk but will be back for Big Meeting. The Tursdale banner has
been to St Helens Kelloe for a memorial event. There has been a request to take the Tursdale banner to the
Women’s Gala
(ii) BVC Interchange: The next issue of Bowburn Interchange is being prepared.
Cllr McKeon has joined the joined the group and has opted to contact the Fire Training Centre about their
events.
The next Quiz Night will be held on Friday 18 May in Crowtrees Club at 7.30pm.
(iii) History: The Resources Room is open every Wednesday 1pm till 3pm.
12. AOB: There was concern about the run-down condition of the ‘old’ Coop building and the rusted GPO box.
At the meeting it was said that there had been evidence of a site visit, and the Partnership will contact the
council to encourage the speedy redevelopment of this area.
Action RICHARD
Cllr McKeon will arrange a walkabout in Prince Charles Avenue to underline the problems.
13. NEXT MEETINGS: Trustees Meeting 5 June at 6.00pm in Bowburn Community Centre
General Meeting 19 June at 6.00pm in the Community Centre.
Pick up a weed and a piece of paper every day to keep your pavements clear