A Local Plan is a statutory document prepared by local planning authorities. ‘The County Durham Plan’ is our version of a Local Plan. It sets out the framework which determines future development sites and planning applications for housing, jobs and the environment, as well as the transport, schools and healthcare needed to support it.
The scoping stage marks the first formal step in preparing the new Local Plan and is the first opportunity for you to have your say on topics and issues which will help shape its foundations.
How to take part
To take part visit click here. The deadline for feedback is Monday 17 August 2026.
Why feedback matters
We want residents, businesses, partners and all interested parties to get involved to help shape the foundations of the new Local Plan at this early stage to make sure it reflects community aspirations, responds to local needs, and remains aligned with national and regional policy requirements.
The feedback received will guide the development of detailed policies and proposals as the Local Plan progresses when there will be further opportunities to provide feedback.
Why a new Plan is needed
A full update of the current Plan (adopted in 2020) is needed to ensure it:
- Reflects changes to national planning policy
- Meets updated requirements within the National Planning Policy Framework
- Responds to needs and opportunities across the County
What the Scoping Consultation covers
The Scoping document presents questions in a survey format, on key themes that the plan will cover. A simplified survey is also available to help residents highlight key issues.
We ask you to consider key themes and implications for the development of a new Local Plan covering:
- Your place and priorities
- Future development – where should it go?
- Housing needs
- Jobs and the local economy
- Transport and movement
- Environment
- Community facilities and local services
- Health, food and local quality of life
Next steps
The new Local Plan follows a clear timetable of development, beginning with this eight-week scoping consultation which ends on Monday 17 August 2026. Following review and analysis of all the feedback we will undertake a formal self-assessment during September 2026.
Further public consultation will take place in March 2027, focused on proposed content for the Local Plan followed by consultation on the proposed Local Plan document during Autumn 2027.
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