We received a huge response to our petition against the building of thousands of homes on Durham’s greenbelt. Big thanks must go to residents who helped with this. 1671 local residents have signed it.

The council must listen to people’s views and recognise that their plans to build on 370 acres of open countryside are crazy. Large parts of the land they want to build on around the outskirts of Newton Hall, Brasside, Framwellgate Moor and Pity Me was under water over the summer and autumn. This land acts not just as a barrier to stop over development of Durham City, it also acts as a sponge to soak up heavy rainfall. The more countryside we build on the more risks of flooding both in the areas where the new housing is, and farther afield. Furthermore much of this land is productive farmland, has recreational and aesthetic value and is of value to wildlife.

One of the issues which has arisen from this petition is that the County Council will not allow debates on petitions which refer to any ongoing consultation. How can this be right? It appears impossible to be able to change what Durham County Council wants to do before the end of a consultation process off the back of a public petition.  I have asked Cllr Nigel Martin (Leader of the Lib Dem Councillor Group) to refer this matter to the Council’s Constitutional Working Group to see if some changes can be made to the Council’s constitution to make our county just that little bit more democratic.

I am currently in communication with the Head of Legal Services at County Hall see if there is an alternative way to try and alter the Council’s current greenbelt policy as detailed in the County Plan.