Only a few weeks ago senior officers said that discussion on building on the greenbelt would be a full, honest and proper consultation process starting in September.

It it would appear that behind the scenes something has been going on and I want to know what. If a developer is willing to buy 180 acres of land, likely costing in excess of £10m, then they must have had conversations with the Council. This makes a mockery of the consultation process. In fact it stinks. No one should trust this Labour-run Council. They clearly couldn’t care less about Durham City, its wonderful environment or its residents and have no respect for the democratic process.

The gloves are off. There appears to be no trust or honestly left at County Hall. We need to protect as much of our greenbelt as we can and get the best deal possible for local residents if this Council do manage to get their way.

The Manchester Evening News published the following on the 14th July:

Ainscough Strategic Land completes its biggest deal – 180-acre Durham site

Wigan- based Ainscough Strategic Land has completed its biggest deal to date, securing a 180-acre site in Durham.

Hagg House Farm is the largest site acquired by ASL, owned by tycoon Martin Ainscough, in its four-year history and brings the company’s portfolio to ten sites nationwide, a total of more than 600 acres.

Paul Martin, land director at ASL said: “We are delighted to have secured the Hagg House Farm site and look forward to working closely with Durham County Council to maximise its contribution to the future growth of the region.”