PARTS of a North-East town have been chosen for a new pilot research project to examine the importance of historic suburbs.

The Historic Towns and Suburbs project has been organised by English Heritage as part of its National Heritage Protection Plan and will assess the historical character and significance of urban areas and any work that may be needed to protect them.

Darlington is the only town in the country to take part in the pilot scheme, with four areas picked for research representing the different types of suburban buildings and settings available in the borough.

They include the first suburban developments in the town, dating from the 18th Century, such as the former Duke of Cleveland’s Estate, which includes Cleveland Terrace, Milbank Road and Thornfield Road.

Other areas to be investigated include the Victorian suburbs around Eastbourne Road, Milton Street, Cobden Street and Bright Street, the railway suburbs in the Hopetown and Rise Carr areas, and the garden suburbs off Yarm Road – The Mead, The Broadway and The Stray.

An English Heritage spokeswoman said: “Darlington has been chosen to be the pilot for our Historic Towns and Suburbs project because it has a good range of different kinds of suburban buildings to look at. From the housing that sprung up as the railway arrived, through to the range of houses that were traditionally the homes of people from different social backgrounds, there’s a lot to explore.”

It is hoped that investigations of the suburbs will help English Heritage, and Darlington Borough Council, understand the districts better, including how they have changed in the past and how they could change in the future.

This information can then be used to help guide development in these areas so their historic nature can be preserved.

Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration, said: “I am delighted that Darlington has been chosen as the only area in the country to pilot this suburbs project.

“By finding out more about the historical areas of the borough, we will be able to ensure they are protected and preserved for generations to come.”