NOISE levels outside some homes on a forthcoming 370-property estate would be so high that residents would need to avoid opening their windows, a report concluded. An application to Darlington Borough Council to meet sound conditions imposed on developer Persimmon’s scheme off the A167 Durham Road at Berrymead Farm states if windows in numerous homes beside the road are opened noise insulation would reduce, resulting in daytime levels over the required standard within habitable rooms. The consultants’ report concludes “an alternative ventilation system should be installed in the dwellings”. While environmental campaigners say the demands of addressing the climate emergency will require most homes to have heat recovery and mechanical ventilation systems fitted, there is a huge difference between not needing to and not being able to open windows.