A NEIGHBOURHOOD plan for Durham city centre has moved a step closer to becoming a reality.

In June, more than 150 people attended a Town Hall public meeting called to discuss what should be in the plan, which will aim to shape future development in the area through planning guidance.

Now the Neighbourhood Planning Forum (NPF) has identified the key issues raised through that and other consultation, which will form the basis of the guidance.

They are: the use of brownfield land for building a wide spectrum of house types; protect and enhance the quality of the street scene; provision for recreation and well-being resources for all age groups; strengthen tourism; safeguard and improve green spaces and the green belt; improve provision for cycling, walking and all sustainable transport; student accommodation – assessment of need and protection of resident communities; and firm and consistent enforcement of existing laws, regulations and conditions.

Sue Childs, an NPF member, said: “Running as a golden thread throughout the Neighbourhood Plan will be the desire to preserve and promote the unique character and heritage of Durham city centre and create a cohesive vision for its future.”

The next stage is to draw up a Plan, which will then be put to a public consultation. The Plan would only be adopted following a local referendum.

For more information or to make comments, visit npf.durhamcity.org.uk