Durham County Council have commenced preparing a new County Durham Plan, which will guide future developments and planning decisions. As part of the process for preparing a new County Durham Plan, in July 2025, Durham County Council called upon landowners, developers, partners and the public to suggest sites suitable for future development as part of the work to inform a new County Durham Plan.
In response to this, Raby Estates has identified two sites adjoining settlements at Staindrop and Gainford with the potential for residential development as part of the Call for Sites consultation. The areas are shown on the Site Location Plans below.
It is anticipated that Durham County Council will be reviewing and consulting upon submitted sites in due course as part of the Plan preparation process.
Raby Estates, as part of considering the potential for development in these locations, will be commencing discussions at the appropriate stage with local stakeholders to obtain views and feedback on these suggested sites, as well as understanding wider community needs in each location.
Durham County Council is preparing a new County Durham Plan, which will guide development and investment across the County over the coming years.
We are now inviting your views as part of the Scoping Consultation, running from 22 June to 17 August 2026. This is the first formal stage in developing the new Plan and provides an important opportunity to help shape its direction from the outset.
Why a New Plan is Being Prepared
The existing County Durham Plan, adopted in 2020, requires a full update due to:
• Changes in national planning policy and guidance
• A significant increase in housing need (over 50%)
• The need to ensure continued alignment with national requirements
What This Consultation Covers
At this early stage, we are seeking views on key issues and priorities, including:
• Housing growth and spatial options (how and where development should occur)
• Economic development and employment land
• Infrastructure and transport
• Environmental protection and climate change
• Place-based priorities across the County
We are not proposing detailed policies or site allocations at this stage. Instead, we are asking for feedback on the key themes and options that will shape the Plan.
Call for Sites
The Council has already undertaken a Call for Sites, which received over 800 submissions for potential development. The sites which were submitted have now been published online at: https://letstalkcountydurham.co.uk/en-GB/projects/countydurham-plan-callforsites/3. The map provides limited details, including the site ID, site area, and proposed use. Please note that these sites are shown for information purposes only at this stage, wile the assessments are undertaken. They are currently being assessed to determine their suitability, availability, and deliverability. The findings will be published in Spring 2027, alongside consultation on the proposed Local Plan and supporting evidence.
How to Take Part
You can view the consultation documents and submit your comments online at:
https://letstalkcountydurham.co.uk/localplan
A simplified version of the consultation materials is also available to help residents highlight key issues.
What Happens Next
All responses received will be carefully considered and will help shape the next stage of the Plan, including the Draft Plan consultation in 2027.
Your views are important in shaping the future of County Durham. We encourage you to take part and share your feedback.
