New plans putting local communities at the heart of shaping the futures of local towns and villages have been developed, writes Local Democracy Reporter Bill Edgar.
Durham County Council will roll out its Strategic Place Plans (SPP) across the county over the next 14 months. A pilot phase including Durham City, Spennymoor, Newton Aycliffe and Shildon is underway.
The development of a Durham City SPP was approved as part of the council’s Inclusive Economic Strategy Report in November 2022, with a programme of works progressing last year to engage residents, stakeholders, students and young people from across the city.
The engagement sessions helped develop priority themes including a city gateway to a county filled with culture; a safe, family-focused city centre; and a city centre with thriving independent businesses and world-class events.
Spennymoor was also identified as a pilot town after being selected as part of the government’s Long-term Plan for Towns programme.
The council has already established a Spennymoor Town Board to revitalise the high street, support economic development, improve transport, and tackle anti-social behaviour.
The council said it will continually involve the community in the decision-making process to refine the investment proposals, with the main regeneration works expected to begin in 2026/27.
Shildon and Newton Aycliffe will also undergo the SPP pilot after being selected by The National Lottery as part of the first wave of Heritage Places.
The towns will receive around £10 million over the next ten years, with a strong focus on children and young people and engaging them as future community leaders.
It is hoped that the programme will help residents feel pride in their heritage connections.
Other priorities are for Shildon to be recognised as a World Heritage Site, for young people to be able to access heritage professions and skills, and, for sustainable, heritage-led regeneration to boost the local economy.
Councillor Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: “We’re really pleased that so many people have engaged with us in developing a Strategic Place Plan for these three pilot areas.
“This has far exceeded engagement levels seen under the previous masterplan process.
“Alongside the development of our Local Networks, which will have four-year plans, the SPPs provide us with a valuable resource to engage with communities and address their priorities.
“This engagement and partnership work will help to transform Durham City and our towns into better places to live, work and visit, and provide a wider range of opportunities for our residents and young people.”
The next phase of work will involve local community and stakeholder engagement to develop shared visions for each of County Durham’s 12 towns over the next 14 months.
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
