Planning Matters
The NXCA provides a forum for local residents to discuss planning matters which affect our local area. Together we can present a strong, united voice and make our opinions heard. If you would like to join the debate, come along to one of our meetings.
We encourage local residents to keep up to date with new planning applications in the area, and to help report unlawful developments where they occur. Durham County Council will investigate breaches in planning control, which can include:
We encourage local residents to keep up to date with new planning applications in the area, and to help report unlawful developments where they occur. Durham County Council will investigate breaches in planning control, which can include:
- untidy land and buildings
- illegal advertisements
- building works and alterations being carried out without planning approval
Durham City Neighbourhood Plan
Neighbourhood planning was introduced in the Localism Act 2011. It is an important and powerful tool that gives communities statutory powers to shape how their communities develop. The most important feature of a neighbourhood plan is that it is prepared and agreed by local people. This work is normally carried out by a parish or town council on behalf of its local community.
However, until April 2018 Durham City was ‘non-parished’, so in order to facilitate the creation of a plan, the Durham City Neighbourhood Planning Forum was formed and work on the Plan began in 2014. On 1st April 2018, The City of Durham Parish Council was established and became a recognised legal entity in its own right. It comprises 15 Parish Councillors representing the three wards of Elvet & Gilesgate, Durham South and Neville's Cross. The Parish Council now has responsibility for the Durham City Neighbourhood Plan (2020-2035).
The vision of the Neighbourhood Plan is:
Durham City’s potential as a beautiful historic City will be realised through policy and action to improve and protect its qualities and by creating a diverse and resilient economy with attractive, healthy and affordable places to live. It will be supported by modern infrastructure, protected by adaptation to climate change and enriched by community engagement in its future.
The Plan now forms part of the statutory Development Plan for the Durham City Neighbourhood Area, which comprises the whole of Durham City Town Council Parish Area. Decisions on planning applications must now be made in accordance with policies in the Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
However, until April 2018 Durham City was ‘non-parished’, so in order to facilitate the creation of a plan, the Durham City Neighbourhood Planning Forum was formed and work on the Plan began in 2014. On 1st April 2018, The City of Durham Parish Council was established and became a recognised legal entity in its own right. It comprises 15 Parish Councillors representing the three wards of Elvet & Gilesgate, Durham South and Neville's Cross. The Parish Council now has responsibility for the Durham City Neighbourhood Plan (2020-2035).
The vision of the Neighbourhood Plan is:
Durham City’s potential as a beautiful historic City will be realised through policy and action to improve and protect its qualities and by creating a diverse and resilient economy with attractive, healthy and affordable places to live. It will be supported by modern infrastructure, protected by adaptation to climate change and enriched by community engagement in its future.
The Plan now forms part of the statutory Development Plan for the Durham City Neighbourhood Area, which comprises the whole of Durham City Town Council Parish Area. Decisions on planning applications must now be made in accordance with policies in the Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
How do I object to a planning application?
If you are concerned about a planning application in your area, you can raise an objection on the DCC planning portal. You will have to register to use this service, but once you have you can make comments that must be considered as part of the planning process.
A few pointers about raising an objection:
1. Make sure you read and understand the submitted plans and documents before commenting. It is important that you read all supporting material, because this helps you to identify areas where you think the application might fall short or be in breach of policy. This in turn will help you to write an accurate and relevant objection.
2. You must have a valid planning reason (or reasons) why you think the application is in breach of planning policy, Durham County Council's planning policies (with which all development proposals must comply) are set out in the County Durham Plan.
3. Whilst planning debates can generate strong emotions, try not to make emotive comments or share personal feelings. For example, statements such as "I simply don't think this is acceptable", or "enough is enough, we need a stop to this" are just personal opinions. These are likely to be discounted by planning officers when they review public comments that have been received.
4. Make sure you check the final date by which comments can be made. It is sometimes worth submitting a response after this time, but making a timely response ensures your comments will be registered and taken forward to the relevant planning meetings.
A few pointers about raising an objection:
1. Make sure you read and understand the submitted plans and documents before commenting. It is important that you read all supporting material, because this helps you to identify areas where you think the application might fall short or be in breach of policy. This in turn will help you to write an accurate and relevant objection.
2. You must have a valid planning reason (or reasons) why you think the application is in breach of planning policy, Durham County Council's planning policies (with which all development proposals must comply) are set out in the County Durham Plan.
3. Whilst planning debates can generate strong emotions, try not to make emotive comments or share personal feelings. For example, statements such as "I simply don't think this is acceptable", or "enough is enough, we need a stop to this" are just personal opinions. These are likely to be discounted by planning officers when they review public comments that have been received.
4. Make sure you check the final date by which comments can be made. It is sometimes worth submitting a response after this time, but making a timely response ensures your comments will be registered and taken forward to the relevant planning meetings.