Gareth Lightfoot

An outline planning application has been submitted to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council for up to 160 homes on a 24-acre agricultural site north of Darlington Back Lane, off Yarm Back Lane. The proposal includes 32 affordable homes, tree-lined streets, green corridors, walking and cycling routes, wildlife areas, drainage infrastructure and a possible community hub with space for small businesses. The applicants say the site is already allocated for residential development within the West Stockton Sustainable Urban Extension and could deliver more than a 10% biodiversity uplift. Further details on housing design, sustainability and education provision would follow if outline permission is granted, while potential impacts include habitat loss, disturbance to wildlife, landscape effects and noise near the main road.

A £14.5 million upgrade of Eaglescliffe railway station introduced major accessibility and facility improvements including a new bridge, lifts, expanded car park, upgraded waiting areas and ticket office. Funded by the Tees Valley Combined Authority, Network Rail and the Department for Transport, the project was praised by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and Stockton Council leader Lisa Evans for enhancing safety, accessibility and regional connectivity. Officials highlighted the station’s importance for commuters and the local economy, while future upgrades in the region, including a new platform at Middlesbrough, were noted as key to improving rail services further.