Thanks again to everyone, your support has been amazing!

We will be passing this petition on to the council as part of our objection to the development.

But if you are a County Durham resident, the best way for you to object is to make a comment on the planning portal here:

https://publicaccess.durham.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=makeComment&keyVal=R4LZK0GDJZT00&fbclid=IwAR34GQDw9nxZhgeYP0sPEyRCkE7ufNlBOxu5D5VroRH30-pnb18wGAhgins

You will need to have or create an account on the council website. Read the guide to commenting first:

https://www.durham.gov.uk/media/3877/Material-planning-considerations/pdf/MaterialPlanningConsiderationsUpdatedOct2016.pdf?m=636736394121230000

Alternatively you can email the planning department at: planning@durham.gov.uk

Ref: DM/21/04311/FPA

If you refer to Policy C3 of the Durham City Neighbourhood Plan adopted last year, that would be a relevant consideration.

"Policy C3: Protection of an Existing Community Facility.

Development proposals which would result in the loss of an existing community facility will not be permitted unless it has been demonstrated that:

the facility is no longer financially viable; or there is no significant demand for the facility within that locality.In the first case the applicant must also demonstrate that an equivalent alternative facility is available nearby to satisfy the needs of the local community."