RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say on a draft planning blueprint for Durham city centre.

The draft Neighbourhood Plan for Durham, which will ultimately shape development in the city, is being published at a series of public consultation events starting next month.

“Our Neighbourhood” covers development and land use as well as policies on sustainability, employment, housing, transport, community facilities, green infrastructure and heritage.

Roger Cornwell, Chair of the Durham City Centre Neighbourhood Planning Forum, said: “We now need people’s thoughts on whether we have accurately reflected their needs and concerns.

“Our Neighbourhood seeks to ensure that planning decisions will protect the unique built and natural heritage of the City and its surroundings, provide more rigorous control over student accommodation, improve the diversity of housing provision, encourage the transfer to sustainable modes of transport, and provide for high quality employment”.

Drop-in consultation sessions will be held at St John’s Church in Nevilles Cross on November 6 from 2.30pm to 6.30pm; St Oswald’s Institute, in Church Street on November 21 from 11am to 4pm; St Nicholas’ Church, on November 24 from noon to 4pm and Wharton Park Heritage Centre on December 6 from 11am to 4pm.

Following consultation, any amendments will be incorporated into the Draft Plan which will then be submitted to Durham County Council for further consultation and scrutiny by an independent examiner.

Once approved, the Plan has to be taken into account in all decisions taken by Durham County Council planners.

Pippa Bell, engagement officer for Durham City Centre Neighbourhood Planning Forum, said: “In the absence of a County Durham Plan, which has been further delayed, it is imperative that we have an up-to-date Plan for Durham City”.

She added: “This is a golden opportunity to influence the future of the City we live and work in and I urge everyone to have their say on the policies in the Plan”

A Durham City Centre Neighbourhood Planning Forum meeting iwill be held at Durham Town Hall, on Friday, November 3 at 7pm, where observers are welcome

Full details are on the website npf.durhamcity.org.uk.