MULTI-MILLION pound plans to build a world-class business hub at the heart of Durham City have hit gridlock, amid strong opposition.

The headquarters of Durham County Council and Durham Police, in Aykley Heads, would make way for high-quality offices and executive homes, under the council’s County Durham Plan.

Council officials have hailed the masterplan as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform the county, with 29,000 new homes built and 16,000 jobs created by 2030.

The Aykley Heads proposals, along with plans to build 3,500 homes and two bypasses around Durham, went to public consultation yesterday, beginning at Framwellgate Moor community centre.

However, the plans have met with opposition from politicians, conservationists and residents.

Independent councillor John Shuttleworth, who unsuccessfully campaigned for County Hall to be listed, said: “This building is fit for purpose.

“If you have got a facility central to where you need to be. It’s bought, it’s paid for and it’s had a lot of money spent bringing it up to modern standards, there’s no necessity, even more so in these economic times, to pull it down.”

The council plans to retain “a civic presence” but many staff would be relocated. Durham Police would move to a new building nearby.

Dr Douglas Pocock, of the City of Durham Trust conservation group, said talk of a world-class business hub was “highly unrealistic”

and questioned how it could be afforded.

The trust objected to the “devouring”

of the green belt and bypasses, he added.

The roads would be: from the B6302 near Stonebridge to the A691 north of Sniperley parkand- ride; and Rotary Way north of Newton Hall to the A690 east of the Belmont exit.

The housing sites are: north of Sniperley park-and-ride, north of the Arnison Centre and east of Sherburn Road Estate.

Stuart Timmiss, the council’s head of planning, admitted many concerns had been raised but said the council was seeking public opinion “every step of the way”.

Further consultation events will be held at Durham Town Hall and St John’s Church, Neville’s Cross, today and Belmont Community Centre on Thursday, all from 4pm to 8pm.

The council hopes to publish a finalised plan next summer.