The County Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 04 February 2026 was set to discuss two significant planning applications. These included a proposal for the erection of 105 new dwellings in Thornley and an application for the continued extraction of minerals and importation of inert material for restoration purposes at Tarmac's quarry in Old Quarrington, Durham.

Land At Coopers Terrace, Thornley

The committee was scheduled to consider a full planning application for the erection of 105 dwellings, comprising 2, 3, and 4-bedroom houses and bungalows, along with associated infrastructure, at Land At Coopers Terrace, Thornley¹. The site, previously housing that was demolished between 2000 and 2010, is currently public open space of poor quality, reportedly suffering from vandalism and trespassing. Objections raised concerns about the loss of public open space, increased traffic, and capacity issues for local dentists, GPs, and schools. Conversely, letters of support highlighted the potential for regeneration and the reduction of anti-social behaviour. The report indicated that while there were some policy conflicts identified, the benefits of the development were considered to outweigh the harms.

Tarmac, The Quarry, Old Quarrington, Durham

The committee was also scheduled to discuss an application concerning Tarmac's quarry at Old Quarrington, Durham². This application sought permission for the extraction of Permian Magnesian Limestone and Permian Basal Sand reserves until 2042, the importation of inert material for restoration purposes, the regularisation of the site office, weighbridge, and parking area, and a scheme for the progressive and final restoration of Old Quarrington and Cold Knuckles Quarry by 2044. The site is partially allocated for inert waste disposal, and the proposals aim to prevent the sterilisation of limestone reserves by using imported inert material for restoration. Concerns raised by the public included access and traffic, biodiversity, blasting, climate change, dust, landfill of inert waste, noise, and public rights of way. The report indicated that, subject to conditions and planning obligations, no objections were raised by most consultees, with the proposed restoration expected to have a beneficial long-term effect.