OPPOSITION councillors have launched a petition calling for development to be spread across County Durham instead of concentrated in the area’s only city.

The petition was started by Liberal Democrat councillors on Durham County Council in response to the authority’s consultation on the County Durham Plan, which is set to run until August 5.

The plan will guide development across County Durham until 2033. The council has released four options, which outline where houses should be built.

The petition calls for three of the options, which include plans for substantial development in or around Durham City, to be disregarded in favour of houses being spread across the county.

The option with the greatest impact on Durham City is the first one, which could result in more than 9,000 homes being built, including in its Greenbelt.

Cllr Mark Wilkes, who started the petition, said: “It is the view of huge numbers of people across Durham City and the wider county that the building of up to 9,000 houses is unacceptable over-development. Building around 5,000 of these homes on the Greenbelt is crazy. We urge all residents in County Durham to sign the petition and respond to the County Plan consultation.

“We need a plan which provides investment for all parts of the county as well as protecting Durham City’s unique World Heritage status.”

Consett North Cllr Owen Temple added: “We want a version of Option four which offers everywhere in the county a chance of real growth - growth in employment prospects as well as new housing.”

Durham County Council is asking people to give their views on the amount of development needed, including housing, job creation, retail and infrastructure and is urging people to get involved in the consultation.

The final consultation sessions are due to take place next week, with events in Ferry Hill and Newton Aycliffe on Monday, July 25, Belmont on Tuesday, July 26 and in Seaham on Wednesday, July 27.

For more details about the sessions, to respond online and to see details of the County Durham Plan visit www.durham.gov.uk/cdp.

To look at the petition visit democracy.durham.gov.uk.