Barnard Castle Strategic Place Plan

In phase two, we have been understanding what you have told us

We have gathered your feedback from events, the survey, from schools and community groups and local organisations and employers and cross reference it with data and information we have about the town. We will then develop a draft vision for the town to share with you in the next phase.

What you told us

We engaged with 547 people across a range of demographics:

• 124 survey responses representing residents of Barnard Castle, wider County Durham, visitors and businesses
• 352 people during six drop-in or on-street engagement
• 50 young people engaged through the Durham Youth Council survey
• 21 key stakeholders engaged during 14 interviews or mini-focus groups includign a focus group with Barnard Castle Town Council.

The key findings are based on themed areas of heritage and regeneration, transport, safety and security, housing, education, skills and opportunities, community spirit, and health and wellbeing. These summarise what you told us about the town.

Heritage and regeneration

Strengths

• Exceptional historic assets including the Castle, Butter Market, Bowes Museum, churches and listed buildings.
• Strong market town identity with a largely occupied, independent high street.
• Cultural anchors such as the Bowes Museum and The Witham supporting arts, events and civic life.
• High levels of retail occupancy compared to similar towns.
• Attractive setting with river, green spaces and historic streetscape.

Challenges

• Limited visible regeneration and lack of confidence in delivery.
• Vacant and deteriorating buildings in prominent locations.
• Weak connections between the high street, Castle and Bowes Museum.
• Limited evening economy and visitor offer beyond day trips.

Opportunities

• Bring empty buildings back into active use.
• Improve connectivity, wayfinding and heritage promotion.
• Develop a stronger evening and overnight visitor offer.
• Use events and markets to animate the town centre.

Transport

Strengths

• Compact, walkable town centre.
• Excellent access to countryside and walking routes.
• Good daytime bus links to Darlington.

Challenges

• Poor bus provision in evenings, Sundays and to villages.
• Heavy traffic and HGVs impacting safety and heritage.
• Parking pressure and unclear arrangements.
• Lack of safe cycling infrastructure.

Opportunities

• Improve public transport frequency and rural connectivity.
• Introduce traffic management and reduce HGV impact.
• Enhance walking, cycling and wayfinding infrastructure.
• Improve parking management and visitor access.

Safety and security

Strengths

• Strong perception of safety and low levels of serious crime.
• Close ‑knit community supporting informal safety.
• Generally calm environment with limited disorder.

Challenges

• Low visibility of policing and limited access to officers.
• Concerns about anti ‑social behaviour and drug activity.
• Road safety issues linked to traffic and HGVs.

Opportunities

• Increase visible policing and community safety presence.
• Improve CCTV and reporting systems.
• Introduce traffic calming and pedestrian safety measures.

Housing

Strengths

• Attractive, high‑quality housing with strong character.
• Good mix of housing types and central locations.
• Planning controls helping protect local identity.

Challenges

• High prices and lack of affordable housing.
• Growth of second homes and holiday lets.
• Infrastructure not keeping pace with development.
• Concerns about design and integration of new housing.

Opportunities

• Deliver affordable housing for local people.
• Bring empty buildings back into residential use.
• Better integrate new development with services and infrastructure.
• Strengthen controls over short ‑term lets.

Education, skills and work opportunities

Strengths

• Strong primary and secondary school provision.
• Presence of key local employers (e.g. GSK, HMP Deerbolt).
• Vibrant small business and hospitality sector.

Challenges

• Limited job diversity and career pathways.
• Lack of local post ‑16 and post‑18 provision.
• Young people leaving for education and work.

Opportunities

• Develop apprenticeships and training pathways.
• Expand local further and adult education provision.
• Support SMEs and new business growth.
• Improve links to employment and training opportunities.

Community spirit

Strengths

• Strong sense of community and neighbourliness.
• Active volunteering and community organisations.
• Popular events, markets and shared traditions.

Challenges

• Perceptions of exclusion or cliques for some groups.
• Limited provision for young people.
• Access barriers for rural residents.

Opportunities

• Expand youth activities and inclusive spaces.
• Improve communication and coordination of events.
• Strengthen links with surrounding villages.
• Support community ‑led initiatives.

Health and wellbeing

Strengths

• Outstanding access to green space and outdoor environments.
• Strong culture of sport and physical activity.
• Valued community‑based wellbeing provision.

Challenges

• Pressure on GP and dental services.
• Underuse of Richardson Community Hospital.
• Gaps in mental health support.
• Cost and transport barriers to participation.

Opportunities

• Expand local healthcare provision and hospital use.
• Improve coordination of wellbeing services.
• Enhance leisure facilities and access.
• Promote active and preventative health opportunities.

Our approach for the next stages

We have shared these findings with senior officers across the council to develop a greater understanding of what local residents, organisations and businesses are telling us about the town. We will be setting up a group which will be made up of council officers and local partners to help identify what can be done to improve the area over the next 10 years.

As part of this, a vision for the town will be developed and shared with you for your comments. In addition, we are developing an investment plan.