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We are pleased that Darlington Borough Council has agreed voluntarily to register Blackwell Parkland as a village green. The society backed the community in its quest to protect this historic parkland in the heart of Darlington.
Campaigners for Blackwell Parkland town green in December 2023. Photo: Mo Meldrum, MOVA.
The Cabinet meeting on 5 May 2026 approved the proposal. The decision marks a significant milestone in the long-running effort to protect the 42-acre historic parkland which was safeguarded from development after extensive community campaigning between 2018 and 2022.
Work to secure the site’s future resumed in April 2025, when the Parkland Heritage Network was asked to prepare a robust case for designation under the Open Spaces Society’s Grant-a-Green campaign. The application highlights the parkland’s recreational, heritage, and ecological value, and its importance to the local community.
The move to register the land as a green follows close collaboration between council officers, elected members, and project partners, and represents a major step forwards.
Angela and Michael Green, Parkland Heritage Coordinators and members of the society, said after the meeting: ‘This is not just any area of open space; it is unique for Darlington. It has major historic interest as the setting of Blackwell Grange Hotel which was formerly an English Mansion built around 1710 and is a Grade II* listed building. Blackwell Parkland is the last remaining Georgian Pleasure Parks in the town and important for the nature recovery strategy. There are no other sites within the Borough that can demonstrate Blackwell’s qualities, and we are delighted that this land will be safeguarded for the enjoyment of Darlington residents for the future’.
Helen Monger, one of our case officers, added: ‘We commend Darlington Borough Council for its agreement voluntarily to register Blackwell Parkland as a town and village green and the steadfast efforts of every local campaigner through the Parklands Heritage Network in the lead up to this momentous decision.
‘Registration provides long-term protection and ensures the public’s right for future enjoyment and access are safeguarded, which is vital for everyone’s well-being. This is a wise decision that future Darlington residents will appreciate.’