CAMPAIGNERS fear a “back-room deal” will see the fate of a £3bn economic masterplan taken out of the hands of the people whose lives it will change forever.

Late on Friday (June 12), Durham County Council agreed to a request from the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) to suspend its High Court action aimed at rescuing its rubbished County Durham Plan (CDP) for 30 days to allow for further talks.

Now Roger Cornwell, from the City of Durham Trust, has called on Greg Clark, the new Communities Secretary, to resist “back-room deals” and robustly defend Harold Stephens, the independent planning inspector who slammed the CDP as unrealistic, unsound and flawed.

At a full council meeting today (Wednesday, June 17), Liberal Democrat group leader Amanda Hopgood said the “staying” of the judicial review process suggested there were very serious concerns over the council’s application and accused the authority of failing to engage constructively.

Labour leader Simon Henig said Cllr Hopgood and completely misinterpreted the situation and his cabinet colleague Neil Foster said the “stay” was to allow “both parties to enter a dialogue to achieve a satisfactory outcome for all”.

Cllr Foster said he hoped the CDP would be “back on track” soon and then “everybody” could get involved.

The CDP, which has been more than five years in the making, aims at 30,000 new jobs, 31,400 new homes, extra retail and employment space and two new bypasses for Durham City by 2030.

Supporters say it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn around the county’s fortunes and make it a regional economic powerhouse, whereas critics say it is way over the top and risks ruining the medieval charm of Durham City and sacrificing its Green Belt.

Lib Dems are challenging the process by which the council agreed to pursue a judicial review, saying the decision was taken by a very small number of people behind closed doors; and calling for a public debate.

There have been fears that with the CDP in limbo, the county will miss out on investment and be vulnerable to inappropriate development.

In response, the cabinet has agreed some short-term planning guidance, including on student accommodation, Green Belt land and affordable housing.