PLANS are being made to extend Durham’s famous world heritage site beyond its Norman castle and cathedral.

Durham Cathedral and Castle has been a Unesco World Heritage Site (WHS) for more than 30 years but plans are being made to more than triple the size of the area protected by the designation.

If approved by Unesco, it would mean the WHS would be extended to include the rest of Durham’s peninsula, including the river banks and nearby wooded areas, as well as the Bailey, Elvet Bridge and Framwelgate Bridge.

The area includes archaeological remains of how the area has been used over the last 1000 years and also provides the “visual drama” of the castle and cathedral, which WHS coordinator Jane Gibson says means the peninsula is an important part of Durham’s story.

Jane Gibson, coordinator of the Durham World Heritage Site

She said: “Whenever I start telling the story of the site and why it is here, I start with the River Wear.

“The peninsula is integral to the story of why the monks came here 1000 years ago with St Cuthbert’s coffin – they were looking for a place to keep them safe from Viking raiders.”

Durham’s castle and cathedral was one of the first historic sites in the UK to be named as a WHS in 1986 and the area protected has already been extended once, in 2008, to include Palace Green and the buildings between the two Norman edifices.

At that time, Unesco suggested a larger area should be included but the Durham WHS decided to make incremental increases.

If the peninsula is granted WHS status it means the whole area will have greater protection from future development.

Ms Gibson added: “We have this wonderful green ribbon, which we are lucky to have in Durham.

“Lots of people visiting the city don’t realise its there so hopefully we will get to showcase it a bit more.”

Durham Cathedral and the River Wear Picture: BRYAN WALKER

Most of the land to be included in the designation is owned by Durham Cathedral and Durham University but if it goes ahead, it means the WHS will have a number of new neighbours, including people whose properties will now back onto it, in places like South Street.

Ms Gibson is seeking the views of people who will now be living next to the WHS or from anyone who would like to comment on the plans.

She added: “Hopefully people will feel it’s a positive thing and we hope its an asset to has us here but we understand there may be issues we haven’t thought about.”

It is hoped the change will be approved by Unesco at its summer gathering this year, which takes place in July.

Visit www.durhamworldheritagesite.com or call 0191 334 3803 for further details on the plans.