The Planning Inspector has now published his ruling on the public inquiry into the County Council’s application to have the former coach park at the Sands de-registered as common land. A full copy of this ruling can be found here
Chair of the City of Durham Parish Council, Coun. Alan Doig said: “This is clearly a very disappointing outcome for residents in Durham and ourselves as a Parish Council who have fought this application over the last year. Common rights are important to everyone and it is extremely disheartening to see the Inspector make this decision”.
“It is clear from information from the new Administration that this application was too far down the legal process to be withdrawn and we have all been left dealing with the aftermath of the previous Administration’s unfortunate decision to build the new County HQ in the wholly unacceptable location of the Sands”.
“We now look ahead to sitting down with the Council and discussing the future use of this land. The coach park was essential in driving much needed day visitors into our City and we must have some legal safeguards against further development on this land in future. The last thing we need in Durham is yet another eyesore of a building in this beautiful open green space which is so cherished by local residents, the Freemen and the Parish Council”.