Pelton Parish Council’s boundaries are set to be extended after the changes received support from the public.
Meanwhile, residents living in nearby Pelton Fell are being asked for their views on proposals to create a new community council for their area.
Properties in the unparished area of Newfield, near Chester-le-Street, will be included within the boundaries of Pelton Parish Council from 1 April 2016.
The move follows a consultation with residents which was prompted by a call for the change by Newfield and Pelton Lane Ends Residents’ Association.
Durham County Council, which is responsible for parish boundary reviews in the county, contacted residents earlier this year, asking for their feedback on the proposal.
Letters were sent to 110 households in the Newfield area. The council received 20 responses, 17 of which were in favour of the change.
The authority also contacted 11 additional properties with a Newfield postcode which had not been included in a plan submitted by Newfield and Pelton Lane Ends Residents’ Association with a petition.
Three responses were received, all of which were from households opposed to having their properties including in the Pelton Parish Council area.
As a result of the feedback received, the council put together draft recommendations, which are now set to be implemented, proposing that Pelton Parish Council be extended to include the unparished area of Newfield and that the 11 additional properties not included in the original petition not be affected by the proposed change.
Meanwhile, residents in Pelton Fell are to be consulted on a proposal by Pelton Fell Community Partnership to create an independent community council. A community council has the same powers as a parish council but is known as a community council to better reflect the style of the parish for that area.
The consultation begins on Wednesday, 23 September. Every household that would be affected by the proposal will be sent background information and a feedback form, which should be completed and returned by Friday, 6 November.
Anyone who does not receive a feedback form but would like to give their views on the proposal can submit a written representation to durhamcgr@durham.gov.uk
Once all feedback has been received, draft proposals will be put together for further consultation in January 2016, with final recommendations due in May 2016.
Further information is available at www.durham.gov.uk/communitygovernance