The Northgate Conservation Area includes the birthplace of the Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR), the world’s first public railway on which a locomotive hauled passengers. A new appraisal has been drawn up ahead of the celebrations of the S&DR’s bicentenary in September 2025. It focusses on the following aspects:

• The special architectural and historic interest of the area
• The current condition of the area, any problems or threats to it, and opportunities for beneficial change
• The relevance of the current boundary line and any suggested changes to it

People are now being invited to have their say about the draft appraisal which is available for public consultation until 17:00 on 1 November 2024. There is also a feedback form that we would like completed. Paper copies of the document (read only) and feedback form are available at the Town Hall (by appointment only – email conservation@darlington.gov.uk), and at the libraries on Crown Street and Cockerton Green/Woodland Road during normal opening hours.

Link to consultation website: https://www.darlington.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/conservation-historical-environment/conservation-areas/