The Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday 23 March 2026 to discuss a range of environmental and community-focused topics. Key among these will be an update on district heating and heat networks across County Durham, alongside a review of the council's energy management and resources. The committee will also consider performance management reports and minutes from the County Durham Environment Partnership Board.

District Heating / Heat Networks

A significant portion of the meeting is expected to focus on the development and implementation of district heating and heat networks across County Durham. The report outlines ongoing projects in Seaham Garden Village, the Horden Mine Water Project, and investigations into a potential Durham City Heat Network. These networks are presented as a crucial element in the government's strategy to reduce reliance on imported fuels and improve energy security, with national targets aiming for heat networks to supply 7% of UK heat demand by 2035 and 20% by 2050.

The report details the Seaham Garden Village project, which utilises minewater heat from the Dawdon site to supply 750 homes. Durham County Council has supported this project through grant acquisition and will receive an indexed fee for administering the agreement. The Horden Mine Water Project is a community-owned initiative, with the East Durham Trust and Durham County Council working with local residents to establish an energy network where profits are reinvested locally. Investigations into a Durham City Heat Network are exploring the potential of deep geothermal energy, with experts suggesting this could make a network financially viable due to the city's high heat demand.

The committee will also be briefed on the government's Heat Network Zoning methodology, which aims to identify areas where heat networks are the most cost-effective option for decarbonising heating. This framework may grant developers powers to mandate connections to heat networks. Furthermore, the Warm Homes Plan, a £15 billion government programme to upgrade millions of homes by 2030, is expected to inject further funding into the adoption, planning, building, and upgrading of existing heat networks.

Energy Management and Resources

The committee is scheduled to receive an update on the council's energy management activities, including energy costs over the past five years and initiatives to reduce these costs. The report highlights that despite a reduction in energy consumption, costs have continued to rise due to external factors. The council is one of twelve authorities purchasing energy and water through the North East Procurement Organisation (NEPO).

Details of ongoing and completed projects, such as the LED Programme, solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, and the transition to an electric vehicle (EV) fleet, will be presented. Future plans include improvements to building management systems and the exploration of biochar production and rainwater harvesting. The discussion is expected to cover the council's energy contracts, the potential for power purchase agreements (PPAs), and the impact of paused capital projects on energy efficiency measures.

County Durham Environment Partnership Board Minutes

The committee will review the minutes from the County Durham Environment Partnership Board meeting held on 9 October 2025. This partnership brings together public, private, and voluntary sectors to champion environmental issues across the county. The minutes are expected to cover discussions on various workstreams, including Place, Health and Community, Climate, and Ecology.

Quarter Two 2025/2026 Forecast of Revenue and Capital Outturn

A joint report from the Corporate Director of Resources and the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Environment will provide details of the forecast outturn budget for the service area. This will highlight any significant variances compared to the budget, based on the financial position at the end of quarter two (30 September 2025). The report is expected to detail underspends, such as those attributed to the receipt of Extended Producer Responsibility grant, and overspends in other areas.

Quarter Two 2025/26 Performance Management Report

The committee will consider the Performance Management report for the second quarter of 2025/26, which outlines progress towards the strategic aims and objectives detailed in the Council Plan 2025-2030. The report is expected to highlight areas performing well, such as environmental cleanliness and waste diversion from landfill, as well as areas requiring attention, including public transport punctuality and household waste recycling rates.

Battery Energy Storage Systems and Solar Energy

A joint report from the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth and the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Environment will provide an update on battery energy storage systems (BESS) and solar energy. This will cover the national policy position, including the government's Clean Power 2030 Action Plan and the development of Regional Energy Strategic Plans (RESP). The report will also discuss the implications of the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which will require local authorities to identify suitable areas for renewable and low-carbon energy. The committee will be asked for its views on the response to the new NPPF and the approach the new County Durham Plan should take, as well as community-led initiatives.

Regional and Local Transport Policy and Delivery

The committee will receive an update on transport policy and delivery in County Durham. This will cover national, regional, and local transport strategies, including the role of the North East Combined Authority (NECA). The report will detail current and future transport infrastructure projects, funding streams, and the progress of active travel initiatives. It will also provide an update on passenger transport services, including bus punctuality and satisfaction rates, and the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The discussion is expected to address issues such as the progress of specific bypass schemes, the impact of funding changes on transport projects, and the future of bus services under potential public control.