The Durham City Neighbourhood Planning Forum held its Annual General Meeting in the Miners’ Hall, Redhills, on Friday 18 March. It was chaired by Roger Cornwell and attended by 30 people, including local MP Roberta Blackman-Woods. She was thanked for her work in chairing the Forum during its formative stages.
Roberta said “I was delighted to be able to attend the AGM of the Durham City Neighbourhood Planning Forum, and it was great to see so many people in attendance. I was hugely impressed by the work carried out by members of the Neighbourhood Planning Forum so far.
I think it is really important that as many people as possible engage with the Neighbourhood Plan making process so they have a greater say over planning decisions in their area.
The Neighbourhood Plan also provides a great opportunity for residents to shape the future of the city moving forward. If you live in the designated area I would urge everyone to get involved.”
The Forum had consulted widely and then developed a vision that Durham City’s potential as a beautiful and 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 and affordable places to live. It will be supported by modern infrastructure and enriched by community engagement in its future. It will be resilient to climate change.
Forum members are currently elaborating each of these themes with a view to presenting ideas for another round of consultation in May and June. After further refinement the plan will be presented to the County Council, to a government inspector and finally to a local referendum. The area covered by the plan is the unparished area of the City: the electoral wards of Neville’s Cross, Elvet and Gilesgate, and the part of Durham South ward on the City side of the River Wear. Anyone who lives or works within the area can be a member of the Forum and contribute to its work.
In November the Forum had appointed Ros Ward as its Project Manager. Officers elected at the meeting were:
- Chair: Roger Cornwell
- Vice Chair and Secretary: John Lowe
- Treasurer: Sue Childs
- Engagement Officer: Pippa Bell
Roger Cornwell commented: “I am pleased the meeting endorsed the approach we are taking, and the roadmap we set out. Now to get on with drafting the Neighbourhood Plan itself.”
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