Residents begin planning for future of Startforth

A VILLAGE being transformed by major housing developments is now home to a new planning group.

Startforth’s Jim Boaden will lead a new Parish Neighbourhood Planning Group to influence planning decisions in the village in the next 20 years.

A neighbourhood plan will be the result of their work – a document which helps outline policies on how Startforth should develop in terms of land, buildings and utilities.

Volunteers on the group are wanting villagers to have their say by either joining the group or filling out a questionnaire which will go out to all Startforth parish homes in the coming weeks.

Mr Boaden said: “The benefit is if you have a neigbourhood plan, it’s a ‘material planning consideration,’ which means if someone makes an application which does not fit the plan, you have some clout.”

Startforth has seen a number of housing developments in the last ten years – the latest of the bunch being 162 homes on land near Deerbolt Young Offenders Institution (YOI).

The trigger for a neighbourhood plan came when proposals for 40 homes on land near the former Startforth Primary School sparked anger.

Mr Boaden said: “After that had been rejected, Durham County Council told us we needed a neighbourhood plan.

“I think the parish council had it in their minds that we needed one. Pat Estall, Margaret Rhodes and I went on a course at County Hall on how to create one.

“What we’ve found from talking to people is we have a few interested and there was another couple who were angry about what has happened.”

Planning decisions made in Teesdale are largely based on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) with some input from the old outdated Teesdale Local Plan.

The long-awaited County Durham Plan, designed to earmark housing and development spots, was rejected by an inspector in 2015 and its latest incarnation has been shelved for the time being.

Once the new County Durham Plan rolls out, neighbourhood plans will be taken into account when decisions are made.

Startforth’s working group has held a couple of meetings but its members are eager to attract Startforth residents of all ages and background to its ranks.

Mr Boaden added: “The objective is we need representation from all the Startforth community – from The Lendings to Flax Field and everywhere else.

“What we want is all ages and all locations.

“If they have got skills which would be useful that’s even better.”

The fate of the former Startforth school buildings and its playing field are also part of planning group’s priorities.

“We want to bang the drum for the school as well and get it used,” added Mr Boaden.

A meeting of the group will be held on September 4 at the Startforth Morritt Community Centre at 7pm – all are welcome.

To offer your views, to volunteer or find out more, email startforthneighbourhoodplan @gmail.com or contact Pat Estall on 07765 156679.