Fears over new planning policy

Post-COVID recovery in County Durham could be put at risk by a proposed Government policy, bosses have warned.

Ministers claim an overhaul of current development regulations would ‘streamline’ the existing process, meaning projects could be approved and built faster.

But, as they near the end of a four-year journey to their own blueprint for the county’s future, the County Durham Plan, leaders at Durham County Council have warned of the potentially chilling effect the Westminster proposals could have.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Government has recently published a planning white paper which, if introduced, will have a detrimental impact on planning and development, including local plans,” said Carl Marshall, cabinet member for economic regeneration at Durham County Council.

“In the case of County Durham this would have a detrimental impact on development proposals, growth and potentially our recovery, not to mention reduce the right of our communities and elected councillors to properly engage with the planning process.

“Given this uncertainty it is extremely timely we have got to the point where we are about to adopt the county plan.

“The plan will provide much needed certainty to businesses and communities at a really difficult time, encourage investment and facilitate appropriate development, including meeting our housing needs.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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

At the meeting, council leaders gave the green light to the County Durham Plan, which could pave the way for almost 25,000 new homes by 2035.

It will now go to October 21’s meeting of the full county council for final approval.

In August, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government began consultation on its ‘Planning for the future’ white paper policy proposal.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

This has suggested a range of measures and changes to the current planning and development process, including:

:: Letting government ministers how many homes should be built in a given area – this is currently calculated by local authorities

:: Designate all land into one of three categories – protected, renewal or growth

:: Reform ‘developer contribution’, under which builders and developers offer cash to support improvements to infrastructure, healthcare and education