Present Carole Lattin, Sharon Wilson, John Ashby, Val hawes, Pat Conway, John Hutchinson, Sierra Ward, Sylvia Hope, Patrick Conway
Apologies Richard Hornby, Lesley Mavin
- Noted confirmation received from DCC that the application for a Neighbourhood Area boundary had been approved and is therefore designated. DCC NP webpage will be updated to include the decision notice and boundary map.
- As agreed at the last meeting the discussion would concentrate on unallocated land in the County Plan. Copies of Richard’s notes were circulated. Noted there was overlap with the initial conclusions of the Features and Facilities and that Housing would form part of the discussion.
- Agreed that at this stage the following larger unallocated areas, predominately ‘green ’ could benefit from strengthened policies in the NP. Moorfield and adjacent sportsfields, Allotments in the NP area, the Scrambles, Dragon Park, Old Durham gardens, Pelaw Wood, Kepier Wood , Cheveley Park adjacent to cemetery
- Agreed at this stage that given the need for affordable housing and housing suitable for seniors and those with limited mobility, consideration has to be given to allocating land for these purposes. Therefore, Mullards and the former playing fields of Gilesgate Comprehensive will need to be discussed further.
- Following discussion about future schools provision, it was concluded that in the foreseeable future, there was sufficient Primary capacity in the seven schools within the NP area. Noted that while there was no sixth form provision, Durham City had a good choice for post 16 education.
- In the unlikely event of a Primary rationalisation, the use of playing fields might be a matter for the NP to consider. However, it was noted DFE and Sports Council current policies would need to be referenced. Noted Amanda Saunders-Taylor had done some work on this.
- Agreed that health care, dentistry and GP surgeries could warrant land allocation. Noted there was no current GP provision near Sherburn Road housing.
- Noted a large number of smaller ‘green’ areas had been identified in earlier Features and Facilities discussion. Agreed these warranted further consideration and if to be progressed would require some justification.
- A number of immediate actions:
- John A will check on current approved planning applications for the NP area that have not yet commenced
- Patrick will speak with DCC about acquiring large, preferably A0 mapping of the area with key information including public rights of way
- Need to check on Banks land ownership in the Benthouse lane arae. Not sure who
- John H to investigate possibility of using large BCA TV as a computer monitor to aid discussions
- Other topics covered in the context of unallocated land included proposed walking route beyond belmont viaduct, bus routes, and retail/business parks
- Next meeting, 3pm 13/12 at BCA to begin for further discussion on Features and Facilities Further dates to be agreed 13/12
Last and by no means least, thanks to Lesley for providing biscuits, tea, coffee and juice.
Gratefully appreciated