Residents can now have their say on a series of draft masterplans aimed at enhancing the vibrancy of County Durham communities.
As part of its Towns and Villages programme, Durham County Council has prepared draft masterplans for Newton Aycliffe, Peterlee, Stanley and Crook, Willington and Tow Law.
Alongside a new regeneration framework for Durham City and an updated version of the Chester-le-Street masterplan, the documents aim to boost the prosperity of each location for generations to come.
The masterplans have been brought forward to support future funding bids, including the Levelling Up Fund, and the region’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.
They include targeted interventions and improved transport infrastructure in Newton Aycliffe to reinvigorate the town centre; improvements to infrastructure and the town centre in Peterlee to create a thriving centre for local people, businesses and visitors; and plans to increase footfall and time spent in Stanley town centre by improving its environment and repurposing and reusing derelict buildings.
Plans for Chester-le-Street seek to expand the scope and coverage of the 2019 masterplan beyond the town centre to key employment locations to the west of the town and the riverside area to the east.
A lack of footfall and number of vacant buildings in Crook, Tow Law and Willington are amongst a variety of ongoing challenges which will be addressed by the Three Towns masterplan.
The Durham City Framework provides the context of how the council sees the city developing as well as the principles which should guide investment and the programme of regeneration and investment which is already underway or planned.
Meanwhile, residents can also take part in a consultation on the Sniperley masterplan which will deliver 1,700 new homes to create a vibrant and self-sustaining mixed community.
The principles set out in the masterplan will ensure that the new development meets national and local planning policy objectives for sustainable development, good design and placemaking as well as meeting affordable housing needs and the needs of older people.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Durham County Council’s cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We would encourage as many residents as possible to have their say on our draft masterplans.
“These have been tailored to the needs of each town and have the ability to make a significant difference to people who live and work in each area.
“As well as revitalising towns and villages, the plans will allow us to bid for further government funding to help regenerate the county and support communities in their recovery from the impact of the pandemic.
“We want to achieve the best possible outcome for everyone, and residents can help us to do that by taking part in the consultation.”
Residents have until Friday, January 14, 2022 to take part in the consultation.
For more information on each of the masterplans and to view dates and times of virtual and in-person events, visit www.durham.gov.uk/consultation.