County Durham Plan set for final approval

A blueprint for the future of County Durham is on course for its final seal of approval.

The County Durham Plan is due to pave the way for almost 25,000 new homes by 2035, with the potential for more than 30,000 jobs.

And leaders also hope the scheme, which has been in the works for more than four years, could also help kickstart the county’s post-coronavirus recovery.

“The plan is about more than just the economy,” said Carl Marshall, cabinet member for economic regeneration.

“Having an up to date plan will promote sustainable development, based on up to date evidence and consistent with national policy.”

He added: “It will also aid the county’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and provide relative certainty to businesses and communities to facilitate appropriate developments to support the local economy, meet housing needs and resist inappropriate development.”

Marshall was speaking at a meeting of the council’s ruling cabinet, which was held by videolink and broadcast via YouTube.

Work on the plan started in 2016, culminating in an assessment by a government-appointed planning inspector in 2019

Following this, changes suggested to ensure the policy would be fit for approval included:

:: Removing proposals for two relief roads in Durham City and another in Barnard Castle

:: Appropriate compensation for the loss of greenbelt land at Aykley Heads, in Durham City, where a new business park is planned, and other areas

:: An increased proportion of accessible and adaptable homes to ‘meet the needs of older people and people with disabilities’

However, while cabinet voted to push on with the plan, some were unhappy with the inspector’s alterations.

Andrea Patterson, cabinet member for corporate services and rural issues, said: “I find it extremely disappointing that the relief roads won’t be going ahead.

“Infrastructure for our rural communities is crucial, but the inspector has made his decision that it is not justified.

“I’m really pleased the plan takes account of the county’s rurality, there’s always going to be different views in the community, but for me this is a sound plan.”

Following cabinet’s vote, the plan will now go to October 21’s meeting of the full county council for final approval.