The Area Planning Committee (Central and East) met to consider several planning applications, including proposals for student accommodation, a children's home, and a technical building for East Durham College.

The committee was scheduled to review applications for sites in Durham, Peterlee and Newton Hall.

Land to the South of 28 Station Road, West Rainton

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for the erection of 20 affordable dwellings on land to the south of 28 Station Road, West Rainton.

The report pack noted that Councillor D Hall, one of the Local Members for the Division, had requested the committee to condition a 30mph speed limit for Station Road. The report pack also noted that a petition with 335 signatures had been received.

The report pack also noted that the applicant had indicated that Heylo Housing, the registered provider that would take on the properties, would prioritise local people.

The Senior Planning Officer noted the proposals would give 12 bungalows within the total of 20 affordable properties.

Hallgarth Care Home, Hallgarth Street, Durham

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for the conversion of Hallgarth Care Home, Hallgarth Street, Durham into purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) comprising 48 studio bedspaces. The application also proposes re-roofing the existing conservatories, erecting a bicycle shelter and bin store, installing EV vehicle parking bays and associated works.

The report pack noted that the City of Durham Parish Council objected to the application, believing that the development is unacceptable in principle and is not supported by any compelling information to demonstrate qualitative or quantitative need for the PBSA or consultation with the education provider.

The report pack also noted that the HMO Data stated that within 100m radius of, and including the application site, 37.9% of properties are Class N exempt student properties as defined by Council Tax records.

The report pack also noted that Durham University had engaged with the developer regarding the scheme and had provided advice regarding student need.

12 Salisbury Road, Newton Hall, Durham

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for a change of use from dwelling house (C3¹) to residential care home (C2²) for use as a children's residential home for one or two children at 12 Salisbury Road, Newton Hall, Durham.

The report pack noted that the management plan indicates that the home would operate a 'Durham First Pledge' to prioritise the placement of children from County Durham within the home, if approved.

The report pack also noted that Councillor Amanda Hopgood had requested that the application be discussed at the committee due to concerns regarding amenity, highway safety and the safety of children due to the homes proximity to the east coast mainline.

The report pack also noted that Children's and Young People's Services confirm that there is a need for smaller (children's) homes in Durham.

East Durham College, Willerby Grove, Peterlee, Durham

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for the demolition of an existing garage block and erection of a new technical building to house plumbing, electrical and motor vehicle training facilities including internal access, provision of drainage attenuation feature and landscaping at East Durham College, Willerby Grove, Peterlee, Durham.

The report pack noted that the building would house the Technical Academy, which currently exists at the Southwest Industrial Estate, Peterlee Business Park.

The report pack also noted that the design of the building will be required to meet the requirement of the DfE' School; Output Specification Generic Design Brief, requiring development to meet the DfE's high standard on sustainable design such as providing a measurable net gain in biodiversity and being carbon net zero in operation.

The report pack also noted that the Landscape Officer advises that there would be a medium magnitude of change locally from the introduction of the proposed building to this site, which would be located adjacent to existing buildings and would be partially surrounded by existing and proposed trees.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, Durham Community Fire Station, Durham

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for a 2.5 storey building for offices and associated uses for the operation of for County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service and accommodation for the North East Ambulance Service plus associated works including a new access road, external lighting, parking area, landscaping, PV panels and wind turbine at Durham Community Fire Station, Durham.

The report pack noted that the current lease for the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) Headquarters at Belmont was ending in 2027, and therefore CDDFRS had looked to identify a suitable site.

The report pack also noted that the application was within the Sniperley Hall Historic Parks designation and surrounded by green belt and an area of high landscape value (AHLV).