A COUNCIL says it still wants to be ambitious with its proposals for the next 30 years as it goes back to the start with its development plan.

Durham County Council is planning a consultation for its new County Durham Plan, which will guide development until 2033.

It has had to go back to the start after it was forced to withdraw an earlier version after planning inspector Harold Stephens said it was “unsound”, branding it over ambitious.

But the council’s head of planning Stuart Timmiss said improving the economy was the “number one priority” and said the authority has proved over the last two years that its ambition was not misplaced.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, he highlighted developments including the opening of Hitachi in Newton Aycliffe, developments in Durham like Atom Bank and Freeman’s Reach, Kynren in Bishop Auckland and Integra 61 in Bowburn.

He added: “Some of these are real game changers, not just for the county but for the region.

“The economy is changing. We have delivered a lot in County Durham since that time which gives more confidence in the economic potential we’re talking about.”

The council, which wants a new plan within two years, is now starting again at the “issues and options” stage and is seeking views on the amount of development needed, including housing, job creation, retail and infrastructure.

It is consulting on four options and is hoping to clearly explain the pros and cons of each scenario, and the impacts on the green belt and transport infrastructure.

The first option focuses development in Durham, with 28 per cent of new homes built in the city and much less through the rest of the county.

A second option would spread housing across towns and villages in County Durham to develop the economy in those areas.

The third option would focus development in villages in central Durham, including Brandon, Langley Moor, Meadowfield, Coxhoe, Langley Park, Sherburn, Ushaw Moor, Lanchester and Esh Winning.

The final option would see housing spread more widely across the county with just five per cent of homes built in Durham City.

The authority’s cabinet is being asked to approve a six-week consultation on at its monthly meeting, which is being held on Wednesday, June 15.

Cllr Neil Foster said: “The County Durham Plan is the future of our county so it’s vital that everyone gets involved so we can make sure their needs and aspirations are taken into account.

“With the plan guiding development of County Durham to 2033 it’s essential that people let us know what they think of the options we’ve identified or if there’s anything else that they would like us to consider.”

If approved, the consultation is due to start on June 24. To view the papers in full visit www.durham.gov.uk