Agenda item

The Cabinet considered the report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth which sought approval to commence consultation on the second draft of the County Durham Design Code and Trees, Woodlands and Hedges Supplementary Planning Documents and the first draft of the Shop Fronts and Energy Efficiency, Renewables and the Historic Environment Supplementary Planning Documents. All four documents supported the County Durham Plan, adopted in October 2020 (for copy of report, see file of minutes).

Councillor E Scott, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Economy and Partnerships moved the recommendations detailed in the report and explained that the County Durham Design Code was one of the first of its type in the country. The trees, woodland and hedges SPD would help protect important trees, woodlands and hedges and support contribution to the County’s biodiversity. The shopfront design guide SPD would promote good shopfront design, restoration and refurbishment improving the attractiveness of town and local centres. The energy efficiency, renewables and historic environment SPD would help to improve the energy efficiency of historic buildings and reduce energy costs, improving the appeal of living in historic buildings and in doing so, avoid them from becoming vacant and stop them from falling into disrepair. Views on the documents would be consulted upon for six weeks up until 3rd December 2023 to inform their final content.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor J Rowlandson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Resources, Investment and Assets explained that the documents gave additional detail and clarity on what was required for new development to be acceptable, expanding on the County Durham Plan and provided certainty for developers and reassurance for residents.

Resolved:

That the recommendations in the report be approved.