In attendance: John Ashby, Kim Noble, David Sowerbutts, Sylvia Hope, John Hutchinson, Sue Childs, Christine Fletcher, David Miller, Lesley Mavin, Richard Hornby, Christine Powell, Adrienne Humberstone, John Lowe, Patrick Conway
David Miller, John Ashby, Sue Childs and John Lowe shared their experience and knowledge from working on the City of Durham Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan.
Key points to emerge.
- Original definition “meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”
- Four principles of sustainable development
- a) Reduce the digging up of raw materials, using them and turning them into waste including coal, oil, gas, and various metals. Nature can’t cope
- b) Reduce the manufacture of persistent compounds like plastics, household chemicals and medication as well as fertilisers, pesticides and industrial chemicals that nature can’t break down.
- c) Reduce the damage to productivity and diversity of nature upon which we all depend like food, wood and clean air, land and water.
- d) Increase fairness, efficiency and safety in meeting human need
- These principles could help in preparing a NP
- a) Reduce dependence on fossil fuels by introducing renewable energy sources, high levels of insulation and prioritising walking, cycling and public transport.
- b) Reduce plastic and concrete and use natural materials in new buildings.
- c) Reduce the loss of greenfield sites and biodiversity and take care of nature
- d) Increase the percentage of affordable homes, accessibility to local services and local jobs
- Sustainability should be the golden thread running through the NP and all policies tested against an agreed definition and principles
- The NP, while concentrating on immediate issues, should also be aspirational and advocate change where this is deemed necessary, though beyond the scope of the plan.
2. In focused discussion a range of points were made
Housing Need, Building Design and Energy Eficiency
3 The outcome of the Housing Needs Assessment was discussed and initial draft policies relating to affordable housing and properties appropriate for the elderly . These policies included a preference for terrace/townhouse new builds. Noted some discussion about unallocated land at Mullards and possible use of infilling in parts of Sunderland Road estate.
4 Unanimous agreement about the use of air source or ground source heating for new developments together with solar panels. Noted new Belmont School was carbon neutral. Considered retail and business units should maximise roof spaces with solar panels.
5 District heating systems maximising ground source heating capacity should be pursued.
6 Need for major energy efficiency investment in older properties
Natural Environment
7 Concerns expressed about protecting the Wear and beck from possible flooding in the future. Investment in storm chambers noted.
8 Noted issue about iron oxide discharge from the Grange Drift Mine since the pumps had been switched off and possible effect on the water table.
9 Increase in the tarmacking/paving of front gardens affecting natural drainage
10 Need for a full tree audit covering not only those covered by TPO’s
Heritage and Natural assets
11 Belmont Viaduct should be prioritised linked to an integrated PROW review in the NP area. Noted the Caldecotes Walk research undertaken by Mr Fawcett.
12 Investigate historic significance of 19th and early 20th century housing eg Moor End, Green Lane bungalows
13 Emphasis on linking and protecting major green spaces – Scrambles; Dragon Park and land towards Old Durham Gardens/Pelaw Wood: Green corridor from Kepier Hospital up to and including Kepier Wood; Moor Field.
14 Greater attention to small green spaces eg roundabouts and grass verges possibly with sustainable planting and wild flowers. Also list some significant spaces – Moorlands
15 Green belt and where it abuts NP area
16 Consider views of significant visual impact, particularly world heritage site. These include those from the Woodlands estate across to Old Durham Gardens and the peninsula.
Transport and Highways
17 Further discussion on cycleways needed and in particular improvement of links between Rennys Lane and Hetton
18 Principle bus routes considered okay, apart from frequency to Belmont Business Park, but attention needed for access on the larger estates that take into account narrow streets. Possible use of smaller 12 seater vehicles.
19 Problems of pavement parking.
20 Investment in Leamside Line considered a major priority
Concluding comments
21 Noted NPPF refers to sustainable economic, environmental and community/social development. Consequently choices have to be made that may be not satisfy all three considerations. Through consultations the views and opinions of residents have to be paramount and there will not necessarily be a consensus.
22 The question “What is the Belmont & Gilesgate NP area for?” elicited a number of comments
- the area is composed of at least five distinctive communities, though residents will use the same schools, places of worship, community facilities and retail outlets within the NP area.
- primarily the area is one where people live, though it is also a destination for shopping, schools, some community facilities and work
- it is currently a single electoral division for the County Council and both BPC and GRA have common interets and indeed membership
- While inextricably linked with the city, the area, it is considered, has a character that distinguishes itself from simply being a suburb
23 A suggested sustainable vision for the NP area shared by David Miller reads
“The potential for Belmont & Gilesgate, the place and its people, is met through a united purpose in policy and action. This covers provision for attractive and affordable places to live, new sites and buildings for diversity of employment, all supported by modern transport and communications infrastructure. Belmont & Gilesgate will be a safe and healthy place to live, work and enjoy, protective of its green spaces and heritage, enriched by greater social cohesion and community engagement, and resilient to the threat of climate change.”
PC/231124