Town councillors back neighbouring Startforth's planning vision

DIPLOMATIC Barnard Castle town councillors have welcomed the establishment of a new group in neighbouring Startforth which has begun work on a village blueprint.

The community group has been set up to create a neighbourhood plan for Startforth and those involved have invited the town council to observe its progress and comment where appropriate.

Clerk Michael King told Barnard Castle Town Council’s September meeting: “The invitation has been received from Jim Bowden, of the group, which is not led by Startforth Parish Council.

“Jim has been advised of the previous correspondence between the town council and Startforth Parish Council about the possibility of creating a neighbourhood plan covering the areas of two or more adjoining parishes.”

On this occasion, Mr King said Startforth Parish Council had declined the approach.

Mayor Cllr Sandra Moorhouse said she was keen not to be seen “causing any unpleasantness” between the two neighbours.

“We don’t want to appear as 'big brother' taking over.”

Mr King said it would be advantageous for the town council to support the creation of a Startforth plan.

“Given that the development pressures in Startforth have been legitimately commented on by the town council and that Barnard Castle and Startforth share and rely on the same local infrastructure, it would be advantageous to the town council to keep a watching brief on the development of a neighbourhood plan covering Startforth.” 

Cllr Judi Sutherland said: “It would be great if we had our own neighbourhood plan group.”

Councillors agreed to discuss this possibility at a future meeting of the resources committee. In agreeing to support the Startforth Neighbourhood Plan group, town councillors also decided to make Startforth Parish Council aware of what they were doing.