Major proposals that will help to shape the future landscape, population and economy of County Durham are to be unveiled next week.
The County Durham Plan is the first county-wide development strategy and will shape development in the area for the next 20 years.
The plan shows, for the first time, the types of development which are earmarked for towns and communities across County Durham, from Consett to Barnard Castle.
It outlines key sites where future housing and jobs could be created, as well as details on how new infrastructure can best support sustainable development.
Members of Durham County Council’s Cabinet will be asked to agree a public consultation on the proposals, which are supported by the council’s regeneration statement and infrastructure delivery plan.
All three documents are to be discussed by Cabinet next Tuesday 24th July.
The plan includes proposals for each of the county’s 12 main towns and for rural areas. These proposals build on previous consultation and involve working with partners and other interested parties to ensure that the ambitions for the county’s development are achievable and sustainable.
Cllr Neil Foster, Cabinet member for regeneration and economic development at Durham County Council, said: “The County Durham Plan is the council’s most important regeneration document, setting out how we can make the best of County Durham’s assets to create a sustainable economy supported by strong communities.
“It looks at where key housing sites will be needed to support job creation, for example in Durham City, Peterlee and Newton Aycliffe, where it is anticipated Hitachi and other major employers will locate.
“It identifies the sites where businesses can thrive – such as the strategic employment site in Seaham, and the Aykley Heads site in Durham City which is viewed as one of the best locations in the region for attracting private sector business investment.
“And it looks at leisure and tourism, including major proposals for a new executive housing development, leading to the creation of public access to the parkland at the Lambton Castle estate, near Chester-le-Street, which we see as a major regional tourist attraction.”
The plan represents the council’s response to the economic challenges facing the county and the wider region, which include unemployment, a high reliance on the public sector and funding changes affecting the support available to businesses investing in the area.
It is aimed at maximising opportunities for private sector investment, linking jobs, housing and retail to create confidence in the county.
Cllr Foster added: “This is very much about creating sustainable development across the whole county in partnership with private sector developers and other stakeholders.
“Under these proposals, developers will be expected to support the creation of the infrastructure which communities across the county and industry need to thrive – from road and transport networks to health and educational facilities.
“Our infrastructure delivery plan and proposed community infrastructure levy sets out different charging rates for different locations and types of development, which is aimed at encouraging development and investment in all parts of the county.
“Our aim is to set the framework for a vibrant and prosperous County Durham where people want to live, work, invest and visit.
“We believe that the proposals we are putting forward represent the best and most effective way of delivering growth for our communities.”
Cabinet members will be asked to agree the preferred option for the County Durham Plan and approve a recommendation for a public consultation on this option to give residents a chance to respond.
