Planning approved for Burtree Garden Village arboretum
Planning approval has been granted for the creation of an arboretum at Burtree Garden Village, which will form the centrepiece of the scheme’s extensive landscaping.
The arboretum is a key landscape feature in the new sustainable community, which is set to transform land north-west of Darlington with approximately 2,000 homes and extensive green spaces over the coming decades. It will offer local residents an accessible green space, featuring a diverse range of tree species, seasonal gardens, and a foraging trail.
A raised mound, with a footpath leading to a scenic viewpoint, will be the centrepiece, providing panoramic views of the surrounding area. Designed with sustainability in mind, the arboretum will be constructed using soil and materials from the site, minimising waste and the need for off-site disposal. The arboretum will also support the conservation of the rare black poplar tree, which is already growing on the site.
This approval builds on the scheme’s first phase, approved in May 2024, which will deliver 750 new homes, infrastructure, and community amenities, including Burtree Village Park. The arboretum will be a natural extension of the village’s green spaces, connected by a network of pedestrian and cycling routes.
Gavin Cordwell-Smith, chief executive of Hellens Group, said: “Receiving planning approval for the arboretum is another milestone for Burtree Garden Village. This project is not just about building homes; it’s about creating a thriving, sustainable community that prioritises both people and the environment. The arboretum will play a pivotal role in delivering on our vision of a green, healthy, and inclusive village where residents can enjoy high-quality green spaces on their doorstep.
“The wider Burtree Garden Village development is built around a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. Nearly half of the site is dedicated to green spaces, and this arboretum is a key part of that strategy, linking nature with daily life. By reusing site materials and planting a diverse range of native and ornamental trees, we’re creating a space that promotes biodiversity, well-being, and community interaction.
“Alongside our investments in infrastructure and housing, features like this arboretum are what will make Burtree Garden Village a place where people genuinely want to live, work, and grow.”
Burtree Garden Village is supported by a £43 million investment from Homes England, which is funding the key infrastructure needed to deliver the first phase of the development. The funding will support the construction of highways, sustainable transport options, and green infrastructure, ensuring that nearly half of the site is dedicated to green and open spaces. Hellens Group and Homes England acquired approximately 307 acres for the development, which includes provisions for social housing and community amenities to ensure the village is both inclusive and sustainable.
