A masterplan to create a community with 1,700 homes, a school and amenities as an urban extension to Durham will be discussed by councillors next week.
The plans to develop on land at Sniperley are part of the County Durham Plan, which sets out a vision for the county’s housing, jobs and environment until 2035, as well as the infrastructure needed to support it.
The County Durham Plan allocated the land at Sniperley Park for the new homes as well as retail, services and facilities to create a self-sustaining community.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: ‘The land at Sniperley Park provides substantial opportunities to create a vibrant and self-sustaining mixed community which meets housing need. This area is former greenbelt land. There is therefore an expectation that this development will be one of the most sustainable in the region with the potential for on-site energy production, low carbon homes and extensive ecological improvements.
‘County Durham deserves no less than this as we look to decarbonise our county and provide truly sustainable homes. This is a strategic site, situated between Durham, key transport links and essential services, as well as sites of local interest such as Sniperley Hall. It will offer access to services and amenities to support a sustainable community.
‘We want to take a proactive approach in developing a plan that fits this site’s potential and meets the needs of residents. We will be taking this masterplan to consultation to gather feedback and ensure Sniperley Park is a comprehensive development that benefits the county.’
A masterplan has been developed for the scheme, which will guide future planning applications and ensure new developments meet national and local objectives for sustainable development, good design, as well as meeting housing needs including affordable and older persons housing.
Cabinet members will be asked to consider the draft masterplan which will then be taken to public consultation from 29 November to 14 January to gather the views of residents and interested parties.
In related news, several projects across West Yorkshire have been successful in securing over £2.5m of funding from the UK government’s Community Renewal Fund (UKCRF).
Photo by James Feaver