COMMENTS are being sought on a scheme which could see residents of Barnard Castle given more say on planning in their area.

Barnard Castle Town Council has asked Durham County Council to create a neighbourhood area in the town.

This is the first stage of a scheme to create a Neighbourhood Plan and this allows communities to specify what kind of development they would like locally.

If the town council receives support for its request then it will start work on the plan in the next few months and residents will be asked to comment on it.

Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “We would urge all those in the Barnard Castle area to get in touch and let us know what they think of the proposals.

“It is a great way of ensuring that residents and businesses with local knowledge can have a real say on the direction of planning and the future of where they live and work.”

The application can be views online at durham.gov.uk/Pages/Service.aspx?ServiceId=8942.

Comments can be sent via email to spatialpolicy@durham.gov.uk or by post to Regeneration and Economic Development, Spatial Policy Area Planning Team, Room 4/24, County Hall, DH1 5UQ

Responses must be submitted by Monday, July 21.