PLACES are on offer at a conference which will discuss how planning changes are likely to affect local communities.

The event is being organised by the County Durham Residents Association at Bowburn Community Centre, Durham, on Monday June 8.

The main theme is the need for communities to create their own neighbourhood plans.

Under the Localism Act, introduced in November 2011, communities can get more involved in planning, help create plans and policies to guide new development and in some cases grant planning permission for certain types of development.

A speaker from Durham County Council will be joined by a representative from one of the City of Durham green belt campaign groups.

Another representative who will speak at the conference will be from the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England.

Registration and coffee on the day will be at 9.30am and lunch is provided. The conference will end at 2.15pm.

Anyone wanting to book a place to attend should contact Christine Hall on 01740-650475.