Durham residents invited to respond to new council plan for the city
People have been urged to share their views on Durham City's strengths, opportunities, and areas for improvement
by Bill Edgar · ChronicleLiveDurham residents are being called upon to have their say on a new council strategy for the city's future. The community is encouraged to voice their opinions on Durham City's strengths, opportunities for growth, and areas needing enhancement.
Durham County Council is set to introduce a Strategic Places Plan (SPP) aimed at redeveloping and revitalising the area. Earlier in the year, the council announced alterations to the process of formulating and implementing town centre masterplans.
The SPP aims to foster a safe, welcoming, and contemporary city environment, according to the council. It is intended to supersede the 2020 Durham City Framework and will be developed collaboratively with input from local residents, businesses, and organisations.
With shifts in shopping trends, leisure pursuits, and transportation, the council recognises the necessity to refresh its approach. Additionally, the council has suggested revisions to the conservation area boundaries to safeguard the city's unique architectural and historical character.
The existing conservation area may be segmented into seven smaller zones, expanding to include Old Durham and the Hill Colleges. Cllr Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy and partnerships, commented: "The nature of towns and cities and what people desire from them has changed. We need to look toward a modern, 21st-century offer for Durham and need the public’s help in creating this new vision for the city."
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“We want to create a modern offer that attracts people to the city while preserving Durham’s unique charm and important heritage. But this plan needs to be shaped by the priorities of businesses, residents, and visitors. We are keen to have people’s feedback on these two important plans so that we can positively shape the city’s future.”
Existing or new plans for Aykley Heads, Claypath, Prince Bishops, the Story, and the DLI site will be included in the SPP. A series of consultation and engagement events will be held alongside an outreach programme with schools, businesses, and user groups.
SPPs will eventually be created for all the major towns throughout County Durham. Pilot reviews will be launched in Spennymoor and Shildon/Newton Aycliffe, due to the requirements for new masterplans following the recent £30m government funding.
People can also take part in the consultation and view maps online here.
The consultation closes at 5pm on Monday 25 November.