A MAJOR inquiry which could shape the region for decades to come begins tomorrow (Wednesday, October 1).

Durham County Council chiefs say their long-awaited County Durham Plan is the catalyst to securing a better and brighter future for the area, with more and better housing and jobs.

But opponents say the 15-year multi-billion pound masterplan, which includes proposals for 31,400 new homes, 500 hectares of employment land and 9,500sq metres of retail space – with the aim of creating 30,000 jobs by 2030, is way over the top and focuses too heavily on turning Durham City into a boom town, with 5,200 new homes, two bypasses and a world-class business hub at Aykley Heads.

Those are some of the arguments that will be considered by government-appointed planning inspector Harold Stephens when he opens a first-of-its-kind examination in public at Durham County Cricket Club in Chester-le-Street tomorrow.

Over the next six weeks, at an estimated cost to the taxpayer of about £400,000, council bosses, business leaders, developers, campaign groups and residents will debate the overall vision, how much housing and other development there should be and where it should go, the future of Durham City and the green belt and much more.

The Plan has been at least four years in the making.

Councillor Neil Foster, the council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said it sets out a vision for a vibrant and prosperous county where people want to live, work, invest and visit, building on opportunities such as the new Hitachi factory at Newton Aycliffe, Freeman’s Reach office development and Atom bank’s arrival in Durham and a new railway station for Horden to take jobs to some of the county’s most deprived areas.

“With the start of the examination in public, we’re one step closer to providing the housing, transport links, business development and job opportunities that will create a better and brighter future for the people of County Durham,” he added.

Mr Stephens’ task is to assess the soundness of the Plan. Following the inquiry, he will issue an interim report, in which he may recommend changes, before holding a second, more detailed inquiry early next year.

However, protestors hope he will simply throw it out.

For more information, visit durham.gov.uk/CDP