County Durham Plan scoping report backed to set priorities

Durham County Council’s cabinet has approved plans for a public consultation on a scoping report which will help shape a new County Durham Plan, setting out long-term priorities for housing, infrastructure, economic growth and environmental protection.

The consultation, due to run between June and August, follows national changes to planning policy which have significantly increased estimated housing need across the county.

Council leaders said the exercise would ensure the new plan reflected local priorities before more detailed planning policies were drawn up.

Andrew Husband, Reform council leader, said the new plan would be developed as a “united effort” to create a long-term vision for the county while ensuring it reflected the priorities and aspirations of local communities. 

Speaking at a cabinet meeting, he said councillors wanted the plan to address issues affecting towns and villages across County Durham, including housing, employment, transport and the environment.

“Crucially, it must support strong and sustainable economic growth, helping attract investment, create good jobs and bring new wealth into County Durham,” he added.

The authority formally began the plan-making process in March and is among the first councils in England to start updating its local plan following the government’s planning reforms.

Council officers said a new local plan could provide significant economic and financial benefits by giving greater certainty to investors, developers and infrastructure providers, while supporting the delivery of new homes, employment land and essential services.

The document is also intended to align with the council’s Strategic Place Plans, which are being developed to create long-term visions for towns across County Durham.

Cllr Husband added that public involvement at an early stage would be vital to the success of the plan.

He added: “Early engagement is essential to getting this right, and this scoping stage is the first step in ensuring that our communities shape the opportunities ahead.”

Following the consultation, further public engagement will take place on proposed planning policies and a draft version of the plan. The council hopes the new County Durham Plan will be adopted from March 2029.