Cabinet

21 April 2006

South West Durham Heritage Corridor

Report of John Richardson, Corporate Director, Environment

Purpose of the Report 1 To inform Members of the project, the need to purchase land whilst sellers are willing and the necessity to apply for planning consent as part of the first phase of the scheme.

Background 2 The South West Durham Heritage Corridor project (SWDHC) is a new landscape scale initiative set up to implement a comprehensive set of improvements to the landscape corridor between and West Auckland based on the disused railway route. This area has a number of environmental problems that need to be addressed, ie poor access, landscape and built environment in a deprived part of the county. Community Appraisals and the Urban and Rural Renaissance Programme have identified this part of the county as a priority area for improvement.

3 Landscape scale partnerships such as those set up for the Mineral Valleys, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Heritage Coast have been extremely successful in concentrating resources and gaining support for integrated improvements to access, landscape improvement, biodiversity improvements, community engagement, tourism, built environment, education, cultural heritage etc.

4 The SWDHC project is being progressed by a number of bodies working together in an informal way to promote the regeneration of the area. Using the Mineral Valleys Project as a model there is the potential to engage partners and the local community in a comprehensive programme of improvements to the local environment.

5 The SWDHC is based on the line of the disused railway route but takes in a corridor on either side of the route, bringing the archaeology, industrial heritage, access, landscape and biodiversity improvements together with improvements to the adjacent settlements of Cockfield, Evenwood/Ramshaw and West Auckland. (See Appendix 2).

6 The built environment element of the package would tie in with the Urban and Rural Renaissance Initiative (URRI) in Cockfield, Evenwood/Ramshaw and West Auckland added to improved footpath, cycling and equestrian access from these settlements back to a multi-use trail from Barnard Castle to West Auckland, which would be created by the disused railway line. 7 The project is being developed through an officer steering group lead by the County Council, comprising the Mineral Valleys Partnership, Groundwork Trust, Teesdale and Wear Valley District Councils. In order to widen the interest and assist with the development phase the Environment Agency, the Gaunless Valley Steering Group, the Forestry Commission, Sustrans, Museum, the Locomotive Museum at and Raby Estates have been invited to join the discussions.

Progress on Project Planning and Development 8 The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has been approached and they have given a positive response to the project.

9 To develop the proposal HLF advice recommends that the project be planned in a phased manner ie: a. Project Planning b. Project Development c. Project Implementation HLF can provide grant aid for each of the phases listed above. Alongside this, they suggested that ‘Your Heritage Grants’ should be sought to identify the communities’ understanding of their heritage that they would want preserved and enhanced.

10 An application for Project Planning Grant was submitted to HLF on 25 November 2005 and approval was received on 6 February 2006 for a grant of up to £45,000. The receipt of Project Planning Grant does not commit the County Council to proceeding to project implementation.

11 The Project Planning Grant will be used to produce the following surveys and plans: ƒ Biodiversity Surveys and Plan ƒ Heritage Survey and Plan ƒ Landscape Character Assessment ƒ Audience Development Plan for Natural and Cultural Heritage ƒ Site Investigation These plans will be used in the development of the project and it is anticipated that a bid for further funding to develop the project will be submitted to HLF in late 2006. A key activity during the development phase will be to firm up the funding required to implement the project and confirm that the funding is in place. Appendix 2 contains a list of potential funding partners. The funds each of these partners is willing to contribute to the project will be firmed up during the development phase.

12 ‘Your Heritage Grants’ will be applied for to run alongside the Project Planning for the main project. These grants will be used to develop and implement small scale complimentary projects at West Auckland, Ramshaw, Evenwood and Cockfield. Matched funding of £10,000 from the Design and Conservation Capital Budget will enable this work to proceed.

Land Purchase 13 The project’s overall feasibility depends upon the implementation of the multi-use trail based on the disused railway. Although the County Council owns the majority of the former West Auckland to Barnard Castle 2 railway, there are stretches of the former line which are in the ownership of other parties. In order to create a continuous trail it will be necessary to purchase stretches of the former railway line or adjacent land.

14 Negotiations are taking place with land owners, and willing sellers have been identified. Estates Division recommend that land is purchased whilst the sellers are willing. Land acquisition costs are not expected to exceed £60,000 and funding is available in the “Countryside and Environment Capital Budget”. The risk in a delay in purchasing this land is that the sellers may not be willing in future.

15 The land once purchased will be managed within the current Countryside budget. The proposed improvements, as part of the HLF project, will create a well developed route that will need minimal maintenance and is within the resources of the Countryside Team.

Planning Consent 16 It is desirable to apply for planning consent at this stage as funders often wish to see evidence that planning consent has been obtained before they agree to assist a project.

Funding Package for Implementation Phase 17 The implementation phase will only commence after Cabinet approval has been received following the submission of a further report.

18 A bid for the work contained in the Implementation Phase is likely to be submitted to HLF in 2007. Consultation with HLF has indicated that they would consider contributing £2.5 million to a possible £6.5 million project.

19 Other potential funding sources are Environment Trust, DEFRA, One North East, Northern Rock, the Foundation for Sports and the Arts and the Local Authorities in the area. Those who have been approached have received the project favourably.

20 This is a long term project, and will be dependent on obtaining funding. Work will not take place on the ground until 2008 at the earliest.

Recommendations and Reasons 21 I recommend that Cabinet a) Note the current state of the South West Durham Heritage Corridor project and approve the preparation of surveys and plans as set out above to develop the project in consultation with HLF. b) Agree to acquire the necessary land to create a continuous trail. c) Resolve that for the purposes of Regulation 3 of the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992, the County Council seeks planning permission, as necessary, to carry out the development described in this report. d) Agree to receive a report setting out further phases of work as the application to the Heritage Lottery Fund progresses. A report will be submitted to Cabinet before the implementation phase progresses. Background Papers: Environmental Management File Ref 618/00031 Contact: David Wilkinson Tel: 0191 383 3577/3875 3

Appendix 1: Implications

Finance The acquisition of land will be funded from the Countryside and Environment Capital Budget.

Staffing No extra staff required. Equality and Diversity The project will provide benefits to all residents of the local communities. A disability audit will be undertaken to determine features which need to be built in to the project. Accommodation None Crime and Disorder Improvements to the built and natural environment will provide more attractive places for residents to live, work and visit. This should reduce incidences of crime and disorder. Sustainability The creation of the multi-user trail between Barnard Castle and West Auckland will encourage the use of sustainable transport modes such as walking, cycling and horse riding. The public realm and building improvements in West Auckland, Cockfield, Evenwood and Ramshaw will allow existing buildings to be retained and improve the built environment for residents. The project will improve landscape and biodiversity and access to archaeology and industrial heritage. Localities and Rurality South West Durham between West Auckland and Barnard Castle. This is a rural area and the improvements made to the built and natural environment will generate tourism and trade.

Young people The creation of the multi-user trail will be an asset for young people wishing to walk, cycle or ride horses. Consultation Heritage Lottery Fund, Wear Valley District Council, Teesdale District Council, Mineral Valleys Partnership.

Health The creation of the multi-user trail between Barnard Castle and West Auckland will encourage residents of the local communities to walk, cycle and ride horses to the benefit of their health.

4 Appendix 2

South West Durham Heritage Corridor - Brief description of the Project

1. Aim

The Aim of the proposal is to enable local communities to access their local heritage in a stimulating and invigorating way. The local heritage has a number of facets; • The western half of the area of interest is an Area of High Landscape Value. • The area is rich in railway and industrial heritage, with a number of structures of the Stockton and railway being present, primarily at the eastern end. ’s largest Scheduled Ancient Monument, Cockfield Fell, is present at the centre of the corridor and features such as the Gaunless Lead Mill and railway viaducts are located towards the western end of the corridor. • Raby Castle and the Raby Estate, with its whitewashed farm buildings, dominate the landscape of the central section of the corridor. • The former mining villages of Cockfield, Ramshaw, Evenwood and West Auckland contain fine examples of old buildings, including some which are Grade 1 listed. • An important collection of French and early Renaissance Art is housed in the impressive John and Jennifer Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle. • The Norman Castle at Barnard Castle. • The area has a rich sporting heritage. The local football clubs have won the FA Amateur Cup on many occasions, West Auckland Town Football Club won an early version of the World Cup and Barnard Castle School has provided a number of players for the England Rugby Union team.

2. Background

The local heritage described above is linked by the disused Barnard Castle to West Auckland railway line. The area comprises that part of the Durham Coalfield which was closed many years ago and has continued to suffer from economic, social and environmental decline ever since. Many of the settlements named above are high on the national index of multiple deprivation. All these settlements are identified as priorities for improvement in the County Council’s Urban and Rural Renaissance Initiative (URRI).

5 3. Durham County Council’s Urban and Rural Renaissance Initiative

Durham County Council’s URRI was set up in 2003 through the Local Strategic Partnerships and their sub-groups to assist with improvements in town and village centres. Extensive consultation with local communities in the prioritised areas and working through a large stakeholder group has identified that public realm improvements associated with access to local heritage in these settlements are one of the main aspirations of the local communities. A programme has been developed over a 5 to 6 year period to tackle this with County Council funds and match funding wherever possible. The initiative gained government recognition when it was selected as one of the four finalists for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Sustainable Communities Award announced at the Sustainable Communities Summit in Manchester in February 2005. The URRI has a number of themes which have been agreed by the stakeholder group and through the Local Strategic Partnerships; these are: • Sustainable transport • Health, safety and access for all • Energy, waste and water • Pride of place, urban design - cultural heritage • Social place From these themes a Liveability agenda has been developed (see attached URR folder) to help create sustainable communities. To implement the above, 5 steps to success have been adopted: • Developing the vision • Building a concordat • Carrying out a phased strategy • Orchestrating investment • Maintaining the momentum One important aspect that has been highlighted is cultural heritage and local history and sustainable healthy access to these features. The coalfield heritage is a strong underlying theme that local communities wish to relate to. Although there is the need to identify new opportunities and an economically viable future for settlements the heritage is an asset that has an important part to play in the process. It is proposed to use the URR themes and objectives in the project to improve the environment to link communities in the south west of the County. The essential elements of the proposal are: • Sustainable transport, green ways and routeways, linking communities and heritage assets. • Providing access for all in a safe and healthy environment, encouraging walking/cycling, providing access to the countryside areas of interest and encouraging tourism. • Restoring railway and industrial heritage and interpreting the heritage. • Enhancing the centre of settlements along the routes through public realm improvements and with better linkages. • Landscape enhancement and improvements to enhance biodiversity.

6 It is hoped that this proposal could be included in a Local Area Agreement as part of the Single Safer and Stronger Communities Fund (SSSCF) delivered through the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. This is being looked at, at the moment with County and District Councils.

4. The proposal

The project consists of 6 elements. • Creation of the Barnard Castle to West Auckland Trail. • The West Auckland Regeneration Scheme. • The Evenwood and Ramshaw Regeneration Scheme. • The Cockfield Regeneration Scheme. • Access, Landscape, Biodiversity and the Built and Natural Cultural Heritage (Archaeology). • Promotion and Marketing of the project and tourism initiatives. The 6 elements will include the following items: • Conversion of the route to cycle path/walkway with engineering works and restoration of railway structures with interpretation. • Provision of links to settlements on route and where appropriate through settlements ie Cockfield, Evenwood/Ramshaw and West Auckland • Public realm improvements in Evenwood/Ramshaw/West Auckland ie seating, signage, footpath/landscaping enhancement in natural materials. Heritage as part of regeneration. • Possible THI for West Auckland and parts of (Cockton Hill). • Community involvement in developing projects and heritage theme, interpretation, leaflets, guided walks and cycle trips. • Community led building improvement scheme to target buildings that have historic interests that are vacant or derelict. • Landscape improvements; i.e. tree, hedge planting, biodiversity enhancement in the corridor area including improved access. • Promotion of tourism through enhanced access and environmental improvements. • Establishing connections through West Auckland to Bishop Auckland Railway Route to increase extent of the route and interlinks to other cycleway/green routes/urban areas. • Heritage/craftsmanship training. • Project management of the scheme.

A summary of each element follows;

Creation of the Barnard Castle to West Auckland Trail

The Barnard Castle to West Auckland Railway Line was opened in 1863 and closed in 1964. It is proposed to reclaim the line for a multi-user trail between Barnard Castle and West Auckland, a distance of 19km. The trail will cross a number of bridges and two viaducts, one of which is Grade 2 listed.

7 The trail will provide a safe, relatively level, off-road route for cyclists, walkers and horse riders. It will lead through an Area of High Landscape Value and vantage points such as the viaduct and embankments will provide uninterrupted panoramic views. The trail will pass through the villages of Cockfield and Ramshaw and close to the centres of Barnard Castle, Evenwood and West Auckland. This will benefit the communities in terms of passing trade and give ready access to residents of those communities. The trail will be relatively level, have an all-weather surface and generally will be off- road. This will encourage local residents to use it, and improve their health by the exercise taken. The route will be particularly friendly for families. Whilst providing a recreational resource, some sections of the trail are suitable for journeys associated with workplace or school travel.

The West Auckland Regeneration Scheme

West Auckland has developed around its village green and has retained its attractive historic centre. The village green has been designated as a Conservation Area and contains a number of listed buildings in a range of styles and periods including two Grade 1 listed buildings. West Auckland sits on the intersection of the A68 and A688 roads. The A68 is a tourist route to Northumberland and Scotland and the A688 is a tourist route to Teesdale, Weardale and the Lake District. Unfortunately, the traffic using the roads, and the facilities provided to handle the traffic, have resulted in a tired environment. Traffic levels will dramatically reduce with the construction of a by-pass, which is due for completion in 2007. This, together with the creation of a Parish Council in 2003 and the recent completion of a flood defence programme, has given an impetus to make significant improvements to the Conservation Area. The focus of the proposal is improvements to the properties fronting the green and improvements in the related public realm.

The Evenwood and Ramshaw Regeneration Scheme

Evenwood and its close neighbour, Ramshaw, form the principal settlement of the Parish of Evenwood and Barony. The river Gaunless separates the two villages. The settlement of Evenwood dates back to 1300; there was an iron foundry in the area in 1360. Ramshaw developed later, as a result of the coal mining industry. The village green in Evenwood provides an attractive rural setting to the cottages, terraces and farm buildings surrounding it. The River Gaunless and the railway line provide an interesting backdrop to the village centre of Ramshaw. The development of the villages from the start of the iron foundry in the 14th Century, through the era of coal mining, with its associated railway lines and cokeworks provides an interesting history.

8 However over the last 30 years the villages have suffered from the closure of coal mining, high unemployment rates, poor health records, depopulation and rural isolation. These factors have led to a decline in the condition of the built and rural environment. The Barnard Castle to West Auckland trail will utilise the two railway lines passing through the villages, and the opportunity will be taken to route the trail through Ramshaw. This provides an impetus to improve Ramshaw and Evenwood village centres, to attract visitors using the trail, and to improve amenities for local residents. The focus of the proposal is improving the public realm through provision of attractive street furniture, lighting and paving.

The Cockfield Regeneration Scheme

Cockfield is a village of special, if not unique, character due to Cockfield Fell which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Cockfield has been designated a Conservation Area. Archaeologists have identified prehistoric enclosures on the Fell, and evidence of Romano – British and medieval activity. Ancient coal mining by means of bell pits can be seen all over the Fell. The manor of Cockfield was founded in about 1150. There are records of coal mining from 1375 and the Fell was served by the Haggerleazes branch of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1830. The Fell also provided sandstone, used to build St Mary’s Church, and roadstone from an igneous dyke. The Fell has never been enclosed, probably because it was already despoiled at the time of the enclosures, and so was valueless for agriculture. The Fell is closely connected to the village and has considerable tourist potential. Cockfield is an attractive village with a green leafy character. The long linear green provides an important setting for the stone buildings. However, the village scores highly on the Index of Multiple Deprivation, with high unemployment, an ageing population, a poor health record and rural isolation. These have factors led to a decline in the built and rural environment. The Barnard Castle to West Auckland Trail will pass along the village street. This will provide an impetus to improve the village centre and create links to Cockfield Fell. This will attract visitors and improve amenities for local residents. The focus of the proposal is improving the public realm through provision of attractive street furniture, signage and paving. The village green will be repaired and seeded and improvements will be made to bus stop facilities and access to Cockfield Fell.

9 Access, Landscape, Biodiversity and the Built and Natural Cultural Heritage (Archaeology)

The creation of the Barnard Castle to West Auckland Trail will provide significant opportunities to improve biodiversity and the landscape and improve access to the villages and archaeological features bordering the trail. Opportunities will be taken to interpret features for visitors and residents. A plan included in this bid document shows potential links, and detailed routes are being worked up for these links. The bid includes for ecological and archaeological surveys. These surveys will yield detailed ecological and archaeological proposals.

Promotion and Marketing of the Project and Tourism Initiatives

One of the purposes of undertaking the project is to increase tourism to the benefit of local businesses and the community. Leaflets will be produced and events will be held to launch the opening of the trail and other suitable achievements. Guided walks and cycle trips will be held. Initiatives to encourage tourism to the area will be investigated as part of the project. This could for example include farmers diversifying into tourism related activities and provision of accommodation and transport for tourists.

Consultation

The building improvement schemes are community led to target buildings that have historic interest that are vacant or derelict. There has been community involvement in developing projects and heritage themes, interpretation, leaflets, guided walks and cycle trips. This will be extended by further involvement of the public, probably organised by Groundwork Trust Durham.

Project Co-ordination

Project Managers have been appointed for each of the 6 elements. A Project Co-ordinator will be appointed to oversee the project. This role will be to ensure that the 6 elements fit together in a co-ordinated fashion, that all aims are covered in at least one of the elements, that bids are made to funding bodies, that work progresses to programme, that progress reports are issued to clients and funding bodies, and that funds are spent in accordance with their allocated timescale. The Project Co-ordinator will require administrative support. The Project Co-ordinator will either be appointed in-house or through an external body such as the Mineral Villages Project. Project Manager costs are included in the costs for each of the 6 elements. A full time Project Co-ordinator and part-time Administrative Assistant will cost in the order of £40,000 per annum.

10 It is anticipated that this level of management would be required for 2 years, with half that level of management required for a third year. This gives a total cost of £100,000.

Costs and Funding

A number of partners have already agreed to provide funding for the project. It is believed that others would be willing to give financial assistance. These are: • Durham County Council • District Councils • Town and Parish Councils • Groundwork Trust West Durham • Environment Agency • English Partnerships • One NorthEast • Defra • CDENT • Cycling Projects Fund • Heritage Lottery Fund • Foundation for Sports and the Arts • EEC Leader • Northern Rock Foundation • Private property owners

The following section lists the elements of the project, together with budget costs and potential funding partners. Barnard Castle to West Auckland Trail

Budget Cost - £2,100,000

Potential Funding Partners

Durham County Council CDENT Cycling Projects Fund Heritage Lottery Fund Foundation for Sports & The Arts EEC Leader

West Auckland Regeneration Scheme

Budget Cost - £800,000

Potential Funding Partners

Durham County Council Wear Valley District Council Heritage Lottery Fund Private funding

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Evenwood and Ramshaw Regeneration Scheme

Budget Cost - £500,000

Potential Funding Partners

Durham County Council Heritage Lottery Fund

Cockfield Regeneration Scheme

Budget Cost - £350,000

Potential Funding Partners

Durham County Council, Parish and District Councils Heritage Lottery Fund

Biodiversity, Landscape and Access

Budget Cost - £1,500,000

Potential Funding Partners Durham County Council CDENT

Heritage Lottery Fund

Project Co-ordination

Budget Cost - £100,000

Potential Funding Partners

Heritage Lottery Fund Other Sources

Consultation, leaflets, guided walks and cycle trips

Budget Cost - £85,000

Potential Funding Partners

Heritage Lottery Fund Other Sources

David Wilkinson 6 March 2006.

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