Councillors are being asked to adopt a Local List of Historic Parks, Gardens and Designed Landscapes for County Durham.
Durham County Council’s Cabinet is being recommended to endorse the list of 96 sites across the county to support its consideration of planning proposals and raise awareness of important aspects of the county’s landscapes.
The list includes a variety of historic landscapes, from medieval deer parks such as Bearpark and Bishop Middleham, to urban parks including Wharton Park and Durham Botanic Gardens, and the parks of country houses such as Selaby Hall and Burnhopside Hall.
Work first started in 2017 to carry out a review of parks, gardens and designed landscapes to contribute to the County Durham Plan. The aim was to provide more consistent information about their location, character and the significance across the county.
A list of 109 potential sites was initially drawn up by Durham County Council landscape, archaeology and design specialists before being reviewed by a panel of experts and a garden historian. They were then shortlisted and further reviewed following a consultation with residents and landowners.
A report to the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday 18 March stated that a similar process would be carried out every five years to review the current list and any new sites that are put forward for consideration in the future.
Historic England, which was consulted on the study, described the work done so far by Durham County Council as ‘exemplary’ and welcomed the investment and effort put into the study.
Cllr Carl Marshall, the council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “If approved, this list will support Durham County Council’s planning function by providing greater clarity for decision making and developers.
“These historic parks, gardens and designed landscapes are an important part of County Durham’s cultural heritage and often have great scenic value. We hope this list will raise greater awareness of these historic assets and help to conserve them for future generations.”
Cllr Kevin Shaw, the council’s Cabinet member for strategic housing and assets, added: “Given the contribution these sites make to our local character, this list will help to make the various assets we have in County Durham even more recognisable.”
