Durham residents urged to share views on plans for the city

People have been urged to share their views on Durham City’s strengths, opportunities, and areas for improvement. 

Durham County Council will launch a Strategic Places Plan (SPP) to help redevelop and improve the area. 

Earlier this year, the local authority revealed changes to how town centre masterplans are created and delivered. 

The SPP is designed to create a safe, friendly, and modern city, the council said. It will replace the 2020 Durham City Framework and be created in partnership with residents, local businesses, and organisations. 

Changes to shopping habits, leisure activities, and transport means the council needs to update its plan. 

The council has also proposed new conservation area boundaries to protect the city’s special architectural and historic interests. The current conservation area could be divided into seven smaller conservation areas, extending to Old Durham and the Hill Colleges.

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “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.

“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.

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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.