DEFENDERS of the green belt surrounding a North-East city say plans to build about 2,000 new homes on the protected land will permanently damage the area.

Part of Durham city’s greenbelt is earmarked for development in the latest version of the County Durham Plan, which is currently in its final stages of consultation before it is submitted to the government later this year.

The plan identifies land at Sniperley, in the north of the city, where 1,700 homes could be built, and near Sherburn Road, in the east, which is earmarked for 420 houses.

The Friends of Durham Green Belt, a group which also opposes building two relief roads to the west and north of the city, says the proposals would involve a “major invasion” into the green belt, which is only supposed to be developed in “exceptional circumstances”.

Kirsty Thomas, from the group, said: “We cannot accept these proposals for major invasions of the Durham green belt.

“The plan is looking for sites for 5,320 new houses to meet the housing needs of County Durham, and is proposing that 2,260 of these new houses should be in Durham City.

“That is way out of balance with a fair shares approach, and is grossly over-loading Durham City”.

The council estimates there will need to be a total of 24,852 homes built around County Durham by 2035 but has identified sites for 5,320 of them.

The council says building in the green belt is justified because without it only five per cent of the needed homes could be built in Durham – which it says is not sufficient for the county’s “most sustainable” settlement.

Mrs Thomas added: “There is, of course, every reason to invest in Durham City’s future, but it should be in realising its special qualities as a World Heritage Site with a world-class university that generates high tech. businesses and employment around the county such as at NetPark in Sedgefield.

“There are no very special circumstances to allow breaking into the wonderful green belt setting of the city”.

Stuart Timmiss, Durham County Council’s head of development and housing, said: “The County Durham Plan aims to deliver a successful future for our area while protecting and enhancing what already makes it such a great place to live, work and visit.

“The content of the plan is based on evidence we’ve gathered about the county, alongside opportunities and challenges identified by residents and businesses during previous consultation.

“All responses to this consultation will be considered fully and we encourage everyone with an interest in the future of County Durham to have their say before it ends on 8 March.”

Comments on the County Durham Plan should be made by March 8.

The council hopes to submit the plan later this year.