Have your say on County Durham conservation plans
PEOPLE are invited to have their say on two conservation plans for County Durham.
Durham County Council has launched a consultation on Conservation Area Management Plans (CAMP) for both Bishop Auckland and Durham City. A CAMP reinforces and protects the special architectural and historical interests of an area, identifying issues, problems and threats and offering solutions as well as opportunities for enhancement.
Following feedback from public consultation last year, the council has updated its CAMP for Bishop Auckland, with the final draft including changes to the conservation area boundary, an updated character appraisal and a management strategy. The consultation will also consider the potential for an Article 4 Direction for Bishop Auckland to protect the character and appearance of the town.
An Article 4 Direction for Heritage would give the council greater control over any development that would impact on the history and heritage of an area. Meanwhile, for the Durham City CAMP, the authority is seeking views on each of the seven proposed new conservation areas, which have been amended following consultation last year, and their draft character appraisals.
The council plans to divide the current large, single conservation area in Durham City into seven smaller ones to make it more manageable. Each new conservation area will have its own appraisal that describes its historical significance, explains how it has developed, highlights what makes it special, and identifies the features that shape its character. Each appraisal also identifies features or aspects that detract from the area’s character and how they could be improved.
Cllr Lyndsey Fox, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “It is important that we do all we can to support our city, towns, and villages to thrive whilst also protecting their unique charm and important heritage.
“That’s why we want residents, businesses and visitors to have their say on these important plans for Bishop Auckland and Durham City. The CAMPs will help to reinforce and preserve the architectural and historical interests of both areas whilst also identifying opportunities to enhance those interests. We would encourage as many people as possible to take part and help to positively shape their local area.
People can have their say by completing an online survey on Let’s Talk County Durham, the council’s consultation and engagement platform.
To comment, visit www.letstalkcountydurham.co.uk by 5pm on Monday 15 September.
Comments can also be sent to the council’s heritage and design team at or Heritage and Design team, Corten House, Aykley Heads Business Park, Durham, DH1 5UQ.
