PEOPLE in Durham have six weeks to give their views on the latest proposals for the future of the city.

The city council's revised local plan is the development blueprint for the next five years, and has been amended following consultation over the draft deposit plan, issued in February last year.

The draft attracted more than 1,250 representations by organisations and individuals on issues including the green belt boundary, parking provision, and the need to save playing fields from development.

The revised document includes new proposals on the type and size of new housing, the future development of the Arnison and Mercia retail parks, and agricultural developments.

It also includes plans for a rail freight terminal on the Leamside Line, near Bowburn, and three park-and-ride sites - at Carrville, Sniperley and Howlands - and a new coach park for visitors to the city.

Residents have until 5pm on Monday, April 30, to comment on the seven changes proposed since the draft plan.

The next stage of the plan will be a public inquiry, which is expected to begin in September and last three months.

The plan will be finally adopted by the council in the summer of 2002.

Copies of the plan can be examined at libraries, the council's leisure centres, at the reception of the council planning department at Byland Lodge, Hawthorn Terrace, and at the helpdesk at County Hall.

Copies are on sale at £15 for residents, or £30 for people outside the city council area.