MORE than 1,000 objections have been received over plans for one of Britain's most historic cities.

The formal inquiry into Durham City Council's new Local Plan - the blueprint for new development in the Durham area until 2006 - began at the city's Town Hall.

The majority of objections concerned the boundaries of the city's green belt, proposed park-and-ride sites, provision of housing land around Ushaw Moor, and the need to protect playing fields.

In her opening address, barrister for the council, Nicola Allan, said that 273 individuals and organisations had contacted the council about the framework plan. They had raised 1,044 objections, 185 messages of support and 29 miscellaneous comments.

Ms Allan said: "The city council is justifiably proud of the heritage of which it is the custodian, but equally it is committed to improving the quality of life for all the people who live and work in or visit Durham.

"Although the council has an important legacy to respect and retain, for present and future generations, it is a progressive authority looking forward to the challenge of the next millennium."

She went on to outline "difficulties faced by Durham in common with many historic cities", including traffic congestion, pressure for new development and pockets of deprivation ranking among the worst nationally.

Ms Allan said improvements were needed in shopping centres and housing and industrial areas. In the countryside, former coal-mining sites needed attention.

She said that the population of the district, about 81,400 in the city and 26 surrounding villages, is expected to remain stable and demand for more housing in Durham City would not be able to be met for environmental reasons.

A specific objection has been raised to protect playing fields to the rear of Geoffrey Avenue, in the Neville's Cross area of the city. The City of Durham Trust has raised a large number of objections.