Subscribe to updates

You'll receive weekly summaries like the ones below about this council every week.

If you have any requests or comments please let us know at community@opencouncil.network. We can also provide custom updates on particular topics across councils.

AI Generated

Weekly updates

Takeaway Licence Review, Gin Bar Stabbing, Council Priorities

This week in County Durham:

Red Lantern Takeaway Faces Licence Revocation Over Illegal Workers

The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee is reviewing the premises licence for The Red Lantern Chinese Takeaway, following repeated breaches of licensing objectives related to crime and disorder. The Home Office Immigration Enforcement is seeking to revoke the licence after discovering multiple illegal workers at the premises. Read the full story here.

  • Repeated Offences: Immigration officers arrested workers on three separate occasions, including the employer in October 2024.
  • Labour Exploitation: One worker admitted to working 55 hours per week for £7.54 per hour, below the minimum wage.
  • Licence Holder's Defence: Mr Song Min He, the premises licence holder, claims he rented the takeaway to another company and was unaware of the illegal activity due to illness. He stated that he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in September 2024 and underwent a major operation on 31 October 2024.
  • Revocation Requested: The Home Office argues that revocation is necessary to deter the licence holder and others from employing illegal workers. > merely remedying the existing situation, for instance by the imposition of additional conditions or a suspension, is insufficient to act as a deterrent to the licence holder and other premises' licence holders from employing illegal workers and facilitating disqualified immigrants to work illegally.

The sub-committee must now decide whether to revoke the licence, suspend it, or take other actions to address the concerns. The Statement of Licensing Policy states that revocation will be seriously considered in cases where the crime prevention objective is undermined.

Gin Bar Faces Licence Review After Stabbing Incident

The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee is also reviewing the licence for the Aviator Gin Bar, following a serious stabbing incident on the premises. Durham Constabulary has applied for a summary licence review, citing concerns about public safety and the licensee's conduct. Read the full story here.

  • Violent Attack: A patron of the bar stabbed two people on 16 July 2025.
  • Police Concerns: Police allege that the licensee misled officers, tampered with the crime scene, and failed to contact authorities after the incident.
  • Superintendent's Recommendation: A Superintendent in Durham Constabulary recommended the immediate removal of the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) and the suspension of the premises licence. > there are no policies and procedures in place to safeguard the public and I would question how responsible the venue are being having a single member of bar staff on.

The sub-committee will consider the evidence and determine whether to suspend or revoke the licence.

Council Prioritizes Reform and Economic Growth in Interim Plan

The Durham County Council Cabinet has approved an interim strategic framework for the council's priorities, pending consultation on a new council plan for 2025-2030. The framework emphasizes reform, economic growth, and community development. Read the full story here.

  • New Priorities: The framework focuses on reforming the council, supercharging the economy, building better communities, caring for people, and practical environmental stewardship.
  • Free Speech Debate: Councillor John Shuttleworth questioned how the reform groups can strive for good governance when they want free speech. Councillor Darren Grimes responded that free speech is the foundation of good governance. > Free speech allows councillors to represent their constituents and residents honestly, challenges consensus and ensures that all sides of an argument are heard before decisions are made. That's not a threat to good governance. That's exactly what good governance looks like.
  • Care Emergency: The framework builds on a motion by Councillor Grimes to prioritize resources and investment in children's social care and proposes declaring a 'care emergency'.

The council will now consult with residents and stakeholders on the new council plan.

HMO Restrictions Expand Across County Durham

The Cabinet has approved initiating a consultation on an Article 4 direction to control the spread of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the county. This will require planning permission for converting dwelling houses into small HMOs in areas not already covered by existing Article 4 directions. Read the full story here.

  • Existing Restrictions: The council already has Article 4 directions in place covering Durham City, Framwellgate Moor, Newton Hall, and Pity Me, and Mount Oswald, Carrville and Belmont, due to concentrations of student HMO properties.
  • Resident Concerns: There is now evidence of an increase in HMOs outside these areas, leading to concerns about the impact on residential amenity and local character.
  • Public Support: Councillor Joe Quinn thanked those who turned up outside with signs in support of Article 4, stating that the administration was elected on listening to the public.

The consultation will allow residents to voice their opinions on the proposed restrictions.

Other Matters

  • The Adults, Wellbeing and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed updates from the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, Adult Social Care, and the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment. No video was provided. Read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Health and Wellbeing Board discussed alcohol harms, health protection, the board's annual report, and the Better Care Fund. No video was provided. Read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Area Planning Committee (North) meeting scheduled for Thursday 24 July 2025 was cancelled. Read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The County Planning Committee discussed a planning application for the construction of 99 dwellings and a community park and stride on land west of Gladstone Terrace in Coxhoe. No video was provided. Read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed an overview of the Neighbourhoods and Environment service, the Quarter Four Performance Management Report for 2024/25, and a refresh of the work programme for 2025-26. No video was provided. Read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The County Durham Local Access Forum discussed the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project, environmental land management schemes, updates from the Rights of Way Team, the Stockton and Darlington Railway walking and cycling routes, the Pennine Way, and the Northern Saints Trails. No video was provided. Read the full details of the meeting here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings, including their main topics:

Barnard Castle Club Licence at Risk, Climate Debate & More

This week in County Durham:

Barnard Castle Working Men's Club Faces Licence Revocation After Violent Incident

The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider an application for a summary licence review of the Barnard Castle Working Men's Club & Institute, following a report of serious crime and disorder. Police are seeking to have the premises licence revoked after a violent altercation involving weapons. Read the full story here.

  • CCTV Footage: Police were called to the premises on 12 July 2025, following reports of a fight. CCTV footage showed four males involved in a violent altercation, during which a pool cue was used as a weapon and broken, and a pool ball was concealed in a t-shirt to create another weapon.
  • Police Concerns: Licensing Sergeant Caroline Dickenson stated that the call to the police was made ten minutes after the incident started, and that the bar staff provided limited details and falsely claimed that there were no weapons involved.
  • Immediate Action Required: Superintendent Neal Bickford certified that the premises are associated with both serious crime and serious disorder, stating that immediate action was required to prevent further incidents due to the poor and inadequate management at this premises and the blatant disregard for licensing law.

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider the immediate suspension of the premises licence and the removal of the designated premises supervisor (DPS). At a full review hearing, the police will seek to have the premises licence revoked.

Corporate Parenting Panel Focuses on Children in Care and Adoption Services

The Corporate Parenting Panel met to discuss updates from Ofsted, reports on adoption services, and a sufficiency statement for children in care and care leavers. The panel also heard from young people of the Children in Care Council (CiCC) about their activities. Read the full story here.

  • Sufficiency Statement: The panel discussed the new Sufficiency Statement for Children in Care and Care Leavers 2025-2029, which sets out Durham County Council's approach to securing sufficient accommodation for children in care, as required by section 22G of the Children Act 1989. The statement identifies a number of challenges, including a 33% rise in the children in care rate over the past 5 years and a growing number of children in care who have special educational needs or an Education, Health and Care Plan.
  • Adopt Coast to Coast: The panel received an update on the fourth year of operation of Adopt Coast to Coast, the regional adoption agency (RAA) for Durham County Council and Together for Children. The report noted that enquiries have increased, but are still lower than the target achieved in 2022-23, which the report attributes to the cost of living crisis.
  • Care Leavers Service: The panel received an update on the progress of the Care Leavers Service over the last year. The report noted that the Care Leavers Service has further developed its offer both within the service and in terms of the Local Offer over the last year, and that the voice of young people has further influenced service development.

The panel's discussions highlight the ongoing efforts to improve the lives of children in care and care leavers in County Durham.

Council Discusses Climate Emergency, Hazardous Waste Incinerator, and Free Speech

Durham County Council convened for an ordinary meeting to address a range of topics, including motions concerning climate change, social care, and free speech. The meeting also covered the annual reports of the Corporate Parenting Panel, the Standards Committee, and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Read the full story here.

  • Climate Emergency Declaration: Councillor Darren Grimes was scheduled to propose rescinding the Climate Emergency Declaration made on 20 February 2019, and instead declare a County Durham Care Emergency, prioritising children's social care and SEND provision.
  • Hazardous Waste Incinerator: Councillor M Stead was scheduled to raise concerns about the Environment Agency's permit application for a hazardous waste incinerator and waste transfer stations at Heighington Lane in Aycliffe Business Park, citing its proximity to homes, schools, parks, and care facilities in Newton Aycliffe and surrounding villages.
  • Free Speech Protections: Councillor Darren Grimes was also scheduled to propose strengthening free speech protections for elected members by incorporating the principle that The right to free speech under the law is the basis of democracy and will be upheld at all times and there is no right to not be offended by any lawful speech into their Code of Conduct.

The council's discussions reflect the diverse range of issues facing County Durham, from environmental concerns to social care priorities and freedom of expression.

Other Matters

  • The Appeals and Complaints Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Monday 14 July 2025 was postponed. Read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Area Planning Committee (South and West) convened to consider several planning applications, including the conversion of a listed church into flats, the change of use of a dwelling to a children's home, and a residential development. No video was provided. Read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider licensing matters. No video was provided. Read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Charter Trustees for the City of Durham met to discuss governance, finance, and honorary appointments. Read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington met to discuss the Community Risk Management Plan, Local Government Legislation Subscription, and Pay Awards, alongside other internal matters. Read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Children and Young People's Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss an introduction to Children and Young People's Services, an Integrated Care Board update, the Quarter Four 2024/2025 Performance Management report, and a refresh of the Work Programme. Read the full details of the meeting here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings, including their main topics:

Council Tax Support Cuts? Durham Faces £3M Deficit.

This week in County Durham:

Council to Consult on Cutting Council Tax Support for Working-Age Residents

Durham County Council is considering changes to its Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme (LCTRS) for working-age residents, potentially reducing support for thousands of low-income households. The Cabinet has approved a 10-week consultation on the proposals, which could see the introduction of an income-banded scheme and a cap on the maximum level of support available. Read the full story here.

  • Why it matters: The current scheme provides up to 100% council tax reduction for eligible working-age residents, but the council says it may not be sustainable. Changes could leave some residents with higher council tax bills, impacting their ability to afford essential needs.
  • Who's affected: The council estimates that 32,500 working-age residents currently benefit from the scheme. Councillor Nicola Lyons, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Stronger Communities and Belonging, stressed that pension-age households would not be affected.
  • What's being considered: Options include capping support, removing the second adult rebate1, introducing a fixed deduction for non-dependents, and reducing the maximum capital limit.
  • Not taken lightly: Councillor Darren Grimes, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance, Policy and Communications, acknowledged that introducing a cap was not taken lightly, especially not for a lad from Stanley.

The consultation will run from July to September, with the Cabinet considering a final decision in November. Any changes would take effect from April 2026.

Children's Services Overspend Contributes to £3 Million Budget Deficit

The Cabinet has reviewed the council's financial performance for 2024/25, revealing a £3 million overspend, largely driven by a £13.074 million overspend in children and young people services (CYPS). Read the full story here.

  • Placement Costs: The social care children looked after placement budget was £15.46 million overspent, despite a significant budget increase.
  • Reserve Concerns: The council's general reserve is below the minimum 5% requirement, prompting a transfer from the MTFP support reserve2.
  • Savings Shortfall: Only 88% of agreed savings were delivered, leaving a £965,000 shortfall.
  • Capital Spending: The council spent £233 million on capital projects, but Councillor Andrew Husband, Leader of the Durham County Council Cabinet, said sustaining this level of investment was not sustainable.

The financial challenges highlight the pressures on children's services and the need for careful budget management.

Planning and Infrastructure Bill: Council Voices Concerns Over Centralised Control

The Cabinet has discussed the government's Planning and Infrastructure Bill, raising concerns that it could strip elected councillors of their ability to make local decisions. Read the full story here.

  • Speeding up decisions: The bill aims to boost house building and infrastructure delivery.
  • Centralisation fears: Councillor Howard Brown, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Adult and Health Services, criticised proposals to centralise planning committee operations.
  • Biodiversity concerns: The council is concerned about the resource implications of monitoring biodiversity net gain plans for major infrastructure projects.

The council will respond to the government's consultation, highlighting its concerns.

Other Matters

  • The Cabinet approved the appointment of the Plawsworth and Kimblesworth Community Group as Trustee of the Plawsworth and Kimblesworth Community Centre and Recreation Ground, allowing the council to retire as Trustee. Read the full story here.
  • The Cabinet noted a report on the budget plans of maintained schools, with five schools requiring a licensed deficit budget for 2025-26. Read the full story here.
  • The Cabinet received an update on progress following the Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment of adult social care services, which rated the council as good. Read the full story here.
  • The Area Planning Committee (Central and East) were scheduled to discuss planning applications relating to changes of use for properties in Durham. Both applications concerned the conversion of dwellinghouses into houses in multiple occupation. No video was provided. Read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday 09 July 2025 was cancelled. Read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Highways Committee were scheduled to consider a report regarding an application to modify the Definitive Map and Statement concerning Public Footpaths 41, 42 and 47 in Esh. No video was provided. Read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Spennymoor Town Board meeting scheduled for Friday 11 July 2025 was cancelled. Read the full details of the meeting here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings, including their main topics:

  1. Second Adult Rebate is a type of council tax support where the bill payer's income or capital is too high to qualify for council tax reduction, but they have a second adult (non-dependant) in the property who would qualify for council tax reduction should they be the bill payer. ↩

  2. The MTFP support reserve is a fund set aside to support the council's Medium Term Financial Plan, which outlines its financial strategy for the coming years. ↩

County Durham: Solar Farm Rejected, Battery Storage Approved

This week in County Durham:

Solar Farm Rejected Amid Landscape Concerns

The County Planning Committee voted against officer recommendations to refuse planning permission for a solar farm and battery energy storage system at Hare Hill Farm. The decision, made despite the project's potential to power 17,600 homes, hinged on concerns about the visual impact on the landscape. Read the full story here.

  • Local Opposition: Residents voiced fears about noise, visual intrusion, and the cumulative effect of similar developments in East Durham. Graham Morris, MP, and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) also objected.
  • Economic Benefits Questioned: Councillor Hope questioned whether the developer could guarantee lower energy prices for locals, while Councillor Stevenson raised concerns about glare affecting pilots at Shotton Airfield.
  • Landscape Harm: Councillor Alan Bell moved for refusal, citing landscape harm and expressing sympathy for local residents.

This decision highlights the tension between renewable energy goals and preserving the character of County Durham's countryside.

Battery Storage System Approved Despite Safety Worries

While rejecting the solar farm, the County Planning Committee approved a separate application for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) near Spennymoor. Despite concerns raised about fire safety and toxic emissions, the committee ultimately sided with the project's potential to balance grid frequency and voltage. Read the full story here.

  • Safety Concerns: Residents and Councillor Jan Blakey voiced worries about the proximity of the BESS to homes and the lack of a smoke plume analysis.
  • Economic Benefits: Supporters argued the project would provide financial stability for a local farm and create jobs.
  • Fire Service Consultation: Planning officers stated that the fire service had been consulted and raised no objections, and that the council takes advice from the fire service.

This decision underscores the complex considerations involved in balancing economic development with community safety.

Durham Academy Redevelopment Gets the Green Light

In a more straightforward decision, the County Planning Committee approved the demolition and redevelopment of Durham Academy in Ushaw Moor. The project will deliver a new school building with associated landscaping works and internal refurbishment works to retained buildings. Read the full story here.

  • Improved Learning Environment: Allison Jobling, the head teacher of Durham Academy, emphasized the investment in the children of Ushaw Moor and the improved learning environment it would provide.
  • Community Support: The council received one representation from a local resident, offering comments to improve the scheme.
  • Minor Condition Change: Councillor Wilkes sought clarification on condition seven, regarding the hours for internal works, and moved that the condition be changed to 8am to avoid confusion.

This decision promises to provide a modern and enhanced learning environment for students in Ushaw Moor.

Other Matters

  • The Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to discuss road safety, the Safe Durham Partnership, and a performance management report. No video was provided. Read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Charter Trustees for the City of Durham meeting scheduled for Monday 30 June 2025 was postponed. Read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed the Regeneration, Economy and Growth Service Grouping, performance management, and their work programme. No video was provided. Read the full details of the meeting here.
  • The Mountsett Crematorium Joint Committee discussed a mid-year increase to cremation fees, the annual governance statement, and performance at the crematorium. No video was provided. Read the full details of the meeting here.

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings, including their main topics:

County Durham: Cremation Fee Hike, Sports Bar Licence, Retail Units

This week in County Durham:

Cremation Fee Hike Sparks Debate Over Affordability

The Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee discussed a proposal to increase cremation fees by £50, bringing the total cost to £975. This increase, on top of a previous £50 rise earlier in the year, has raised concerns about the affordability of funerals for bereaved families. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

  • Rising Costs: The proposed increase is justified by the council as necessary to align with regional averages, which are reportedly £91 higher.
  • Support for Choice: To mitigate the impact on lower-income families, the committee proposed keeping the prices for off-peak slots (£715) and direct cremations (£660 attended and £520 unattended) unchanged.
  • Additional Income: The fee increase is projected to generate an additional £57,500 in income for 2025/26, with a full-year impact of £115,000.

The decision to raise cremation fees highlights the difficult balance between maintaining services and ensuring they remain accessible to all residents.

Sports Bar Licence Faces Objections Amid Nuisance Concerns

The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider an application for a premises licence for Chalkies Sports Bar in Crook. The application has drawn objections from local residents concerned about potential public nuisance and crime and disorder. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

  • Applicant's Proposal: Mr Graeme Clark and Mrs Joanne Clark are seeking permission to serve alcohol for consumption on the premises from 11:00 am to midnight, Monday to Sunday, with extended hours on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
  • Safeguarding Condition: Following mediation with the Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership, the applicants agreed to maintain a refusals register to record instances where alcohol sales are denied to intoxicated or underage individuals.
  • Resident Concerns: Despite these measures, objections remain from residents citing concerns about public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the saturation of licensed premises in the area.

The sub-committee's decision will have a direct impact on the local community, balancing the interests of the business with the concerns of residents.

Retail Units Proposed for Thinford Park Amid Planning Policy Debate

The Area Planning Committee (Central and East) was scheduled to consider an application for the erection of six retail units at the Thinford Park Redevelopment Site. The proposal has sparked debate over its compliance with local planning policies, particularly regarding the sequential assessment of alternative sites. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

  • Applicant's Proposal: No Ordinary Estates Ltd is seeking permission to build six commercial units, including one with a drive-through, on a 4,233 sqm site within Thinford Park.
  • Policy Concerns: The council's Spatial Policy team has raised concerns that the development may conflict with Policy 9 of the County Durham Plan, which prioritizes town centre development.
  • Officer Recommendation: Despite these concerns, planning officers have recommended approval, citing the existence of a previously consented scheme of a similar nature on the site.

The committee's decision will shape the future development of Thinford Park and its impact on the surrounding area.

Other Matters

Upcoming Meetings

Here's a list of upcoming meetings, including their main topics:

Recent meetings
Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee

Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee - Friday 1 August 2025 9.30 am

The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee of Durham County Council met to consider representations against interim steps that had been taken against The Aviator Gin Bar. These steps followed an application for a summary review of the premises licence by Durham Constabulary. The committee was scheduled to determine whether to withdraw or modify the interim steps taken.

August 01, 2025
Audit Committee

Audit Committee - Thursday 31 July 2025 9.30 am

Here is a summary of the items scheduled for discussion at the Audit Committee meeting. The agenda included presentations and reports on topics such as internal audit strategies, the Bishop Auckland Towns Fund, and the council's annual governance. Councillors were also scheduled to review the council's financial standing.

July 31, 2025
Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Management Board

Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Management Board - Thursday 31 July 2025 2.00 pm

The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Management Board met to discuss the proposed framework for the new council plan, which is expected to be finalised in October 2025. The plan will set out the priorities of the new administration following the local elections in May 2025. Councillors were asked to note the proposed framework and contribute to its consultation.

July 31, 2025
Appeals and Complaints Sub-Committee

Appeals and Complaints Sub-Committee - Wednesday 30 July 2025 10.00 am

The Appeals and Complaints Sub-Committee of County Durham Council met on 30 July 2025 to discuss an appeal from Children and Young People's Services. The meeting was scheduled to be held in Committee Room 1A, County Hall, Durham.

July 30, 2025
Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee CANCELLED

Special, Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 29 July 2025 9.30 am

This meeting has been cancelled.

July 29, 2025
Area Planning Committee (South and West)

Special, Area Planning Committee (South and West) - Monday 28 July 2025 1.00 pm

The Area Planning Committee (South and West) was scheduled to meet to discuss four planning applications. These included a proposal to build 70 homes in Leeholme, a plan to convert buildings at Poppy Cottage in Romaldkirk, and an application to build an office and storage building in Wolsingham.

July 28, 2025
Area Planning Committee (Central and East) CANCELLED

Special, Area Planning Committee (Central and East) - Monday 28 July 2025 1.00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

July 28, 2025
County Planning Committee

County Planning Committee - Friday 25 July 2025 1.00 pm

The County Planning Committee was scheduled to meet on 25 July 2025 to discuss planning applications and minutes from a previous meeting. One planning application was to be determined at the meeting, concerning the construction of 99 dwellings and a community park in Coxhoe.

July 25, 2025
Area Planning Committee (North) CANCELLED

Area Planning Committee (North) - Thursday 24 July 2025 1.00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

July 24, 2025
Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 23 July 2025 9.30 am

The Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to discuss a range of topics, including an overview of the Neighbourhoods and Environment service, the Quarter Four Performance Management Report for 2024/25, and a refresh of the work programme for 2025-26.

July 23, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee CANCELLED

Special, Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 5 August 2025 9.30 am

August 05, 2025
Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee

Special, Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 7 August 2025 1.00 pm

August 07, 2025
Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee

Special, Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee - Wednesday 13 August 2025 9.30 am

August 13, 2025
Spennymoor Town Board

All Together for Spennymoor - Friday 15 August 2025 1.00 pm

August 15, 2025
County Planning Committee

County Planning Committee - Monday 20 October 2025 1.00 pm

October 20, 2025