The Trust responds to local or national consultations as they affect the City of Durham. The consultation issue is briefly summarised below and the Trust’s full response is available for viewing and download. Responses in 2024, Responses in 2023 and older responses are available.
In 2025 – Durham County Council
Next consultation to be added
In 2025 – Other organisations
Biodiversity Net Gain Consultations
The Government has conducted two consultations on Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), one for minor, medium and brownfield development and one for for nationally significant infrastructure projects. Because of the importance of preserving and enhancing our natural environment, our responses urged the continuation of BNG for minor, medium and brownfield development and agreed with the application of BNG to nationally significant infrastructure projects. Minor, medium and brownfield development consultation information and consultation webpage. Nationally significant infrastructure projects consultation information and consultation webpage.
Reform of Planning Committees: Technical Consultation
The City of Durham Trust replied to this consultation by fully endorsing the comprehensive response submitted by the City of Durham Parish Council. We made two additional points that were relevant to the consultation but not covered in the questions. Firstly, we are concerned about suggestions that some statutory bodies might no longer be treated as statutory consultees. We asked for reassurance about this and whether there were specific proposals to restrict the list of statutory consultees. Secondly, while improvements to the planning system are possible and they might increase the rate of house building, more significant improvements could be made by requiring developers to complete the work for which they have already received planning permission in a more timely manner. This includes finishing the infrastructure works such as highways so that purchasers are not put off moving into properties that are otherwise ready for occupation. Planning Committees consultation webpage.
North East Local Transport Plan
“The North East Local Transport Plan outlines the Mayor’s blueprint for a connected network that is simple, affordable, and built to last. The goal is to make travel across the North East greener, safer, and more reliable, ensuring it’s accessible to everyone, both physically and financially. The Mayor’s plan will make sustainable travel the first choice for more people and businesses, helping us reduce emissions and improve connections between communities, giving people the skills they need to succeed and creating better wellbeing for all.” LTP consultation page. Full LT Plan. LT Delivery Plan. The Trust supports the plan’s vision for a green, integrated regional transport network, and the recognition of the impacts of transport on the environment, society, and the economy. The plan is weaker, however, on the prioritisation of interventions and on evaluation and targets via key performance indicators. It is notably lacking in measures to discourage private car use and to reduce vehicle miles. There needs to be a much stronger link with spatial planning, and a review of local plans to strengthen sustainable transport delivery. There is also still evidence in the plan of traditional and discredited thinking around relief of road congestion through expanding capacity. The Trust offers suggestions to significantly strengthen the plan, without which we belief the plan will not be able to deliver on its laudable aims. Comments on important over-arching themes are offered first, followed by sections going into the details of the plan. The Trust responded to the ‘North East Transport Plan Consultation’ in 2021 and the ‘North East Active Travel Strategy Consultation’ in 2023.
