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City councils

Durham and Sunderland Councils Clash Over Housing Plans

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A fierce dispute has erupted between Durham City Council and Sunderland Council over plans to build 3,430 new homes by 2021. The row has sparked concerns that it will put Sunderland's economy at risk and exacerbate out-migration of residents. Sunderland's planning chiefs claim that Durham's plans will divert development interest away from their city, while Durham maintains that it is meeting housing demand and adhering to regional strategies.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sunderland Council has lodged a formal objection to Durham City Council's plans to build 3,430 new homes by 2021, citing concerns that it will reduce developers' interest in Sunderland and encourage out-migration.
  • Sunderland claims that Durham's plans involve flouting a regional strategy on development which allocated 2,975 homes for the city over the next 15 years.
  • Independent inspectors have recommended increasing the cap to 3,230 homes, but Durham's plan exceeds this allocation.
  • Sunderland's director of development and regeneration, Phil Barrett, warns that not enough of the new homes are likely to be on brownfield land to meet the 65% threshold.
  • A report by Barrett states that Durham's plans could have adverse implications for the delivery of housing in Sunderland and undermining the RSS strategy for the city region.
  • Durham City Council claims that it is meeting housing demand and adhering to regional strategies, with a spokesperson stating that they are aware of Sunderland's concerns but will not revise their plans.

Statistics:

  • 3,430: The number of new homes Durham City Council plans to build by 2021.
  • 2,975: The regional strategy's allocated number of homes for Durham City over the next 15 years.
  • 3,230: The recommended cap by independent inspectors for the number of homes in the regional strategy.
  • 65%: The threshold for new homes to be built on brownfield land.
  • 15 years: The period allocated for the 2,975 homes in the regional strategy.

Sources:

  • Byline: By Ross Smith, A NEIGHBOURHOOD dispute broke out between two sets of council bosses last night over plans for a massive extension in house building.
  • Sunderland Council's director of development and regeneration, Phil Barrett.
  • Durham City Council spokesperson.

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