This week in County Durham:

• The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee convened, but no transcript or summary is available.
• The Mountsett Crematorium Joint Committee discussed financial performance, operational reports, risk management, and internal audits.
• The Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee reviewed finances, audit reports, performance, and risk management.
• The Area Planning Committee (North) considered a planning application for Cemetery House in Pelton¹.
• The Spennymoor Town Board discussed updates to the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme and community engagement.

Mountsett Crematorium Joint Committee - Wednesday 23 April 2025

The Mountsett Crematorium Joint Committee convened to discuss the crematorium's performance, finances, and risk management. The committee was scheduled to review the annual internal audit report.

The committee was scheduled to review the financial monitoring report for the period of April 2024 to March 2025, which projected a revenue surplus of £370,589, less than the budgeted surplus due to increased staff overtime, increased rates following the 2024 revaluation of non-domestic properties by the Valuation Office Agency, and a decrease in income from unattended direct cremations.

The committee was also scheduled to discuss the performance and operational report, which provided a quarterly update on the crematorium's activities. Between 1 January 2025 and 31 March 2025, 404 cremations were undertaken, compared to 347 in the same period last year, an increase of 57. The number of direct cremations also increased, with 82 unattended direct cremations in 2024/25 compared to 62 in 2023/24. The committee was scheduled to note that Willowburn Hospice and Northeast Air Ambulance each received £6,250 from the recycling of metals scheme.

The committee was scheduled to be informed of the outcome of the half-yearly risk review in March 2025. According to the risk register, there were no significant changes to report, but the number of Relief Cremation Attendants / Standby Cremator Operators has been reduced from 4 to 3.

The committee was scheduled to review the Annual Internal Audit Report for 2024/25, which provided a Substantial overall assurance opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the governance, risk management and internal control arrangements operating across the Joint Committee in 2024/25.

Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee - Wednesday 23 April 2025

The Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee met to discuss the crematorium's performance, finances, and risk management, as well as to review the annual internal audit report. The committee was also scheduled to discuss the quarterly performance and operational report.

The committee was scheduled to review the Financial Monitoring Report for the period of April 2024 to March 2025. The report indicated a provisional revenue surplus of £1,151,779, which is £91,038 more than budgeted.

The committee was scheduled to consider the Annual Internal Audit Report 2024/25, which provided a Substantial overall assurance opinion on the adequacy and effectiveness of the governance, risk management, and internal control arrangements. The audit identified two medium priority findings: a £228 cash payment for a Book of Remembrance entry could not be reconciled to the bank account, and manual timesheets had been miscalculated due to illegible handwriting and mathematical error, resulting in 1.75 hours of overtime being overclaimed by four employees.

The committee was scheduled to discuss the Quarterly Performance and Operational Report, which provided an update on the crematorium's performance and operational matters. The report noted that there were 644 cremations undertaken between January and March 2025, compared to 677 in the same period last year. The total number of cremations in 2024/25 was 2,282, compared with 2,433 in 2023/24, a decrease of 151 cremations.

The committee was scheduled to be informed of the outcome of the half-yearly risk review in March 2025, as detailed in the Risk Register Update 2024/25 Review 2. The report stated that there were no significant changes to report since the previous review, but there was one minor update: the number of Relief Cremation Attendants / Standby Cremator Operators had been reduced from 4 to 3.

Area Planning Committee (North) - Thursday 24 April 2025

The Area Planning Committee (North) met to consider planning application DM/25/00146/FPA concerning Cemetery House, Pelton. The committee was scheduled to discuss planning application DM/25/00146/FPA for Cemetery House, Pelton, Chester-le-Street, DH2 1NQ. Mr & Mrs Ian & Emma Collinson, the applicants, were seeking permission for demolition of existing rear additions and erection of a two-storey extension, including raising the roof height.

The planning application was brought to the committee at the request of Councillor Danny Wood, who felt that the visual amenity impacts of the proposals should be fully considered by elected members. Pelton Parish Council also requested that the application be reported to the committee, as local councillors were in support of the proposal.

The report pack outlined several planning policies relevant to the application, including the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), County Durham Plan (CDP) Policies 6, 21, 29, 31, 41, 43, and 44, and Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD).

Despite acknowledging that the proposal adequately preserved residential amenity, highway safety, and ecological issues, the planning officer recommended refusal of the application. The report pack stated that this was because the proposed scheme, by virtue of its scale, mass and design, would have an overbearing and visually intrusive impact upon the character and appearance of the host property and its setting within the street scene.

Spennymoor Town Board - Friday 25 April 2025

The All Together for Spennymoor Town Board was scheduled to meet to discuss updates to the Plan for Neighbourhoods programme, including changes to the scope and funding, goals and focus, and community involvement. They were also scheduled to discuss governance structures and future community engagement events.

The board was scheduled to receive an update on the All Together for Spennymoor neighbourhood board following updated guidance from central government on the Plan for Neighbourhoods (PfN) programme. The report pack outlined that the PfN had expanded the scope from 55 towns in the Long-Term Plan for Towns to 75 areas. It also noted that the PfN focuses on creating thriving places, building stronger communities, and empowering local areas to take back control.

The report pack stated that further community engagement would take place, with the delivery of projects within the programme to begin in 2026/27. It listed the following events: Spennymoor Town Vibrancy event at Spennymoor Market Place on 24 May 2025, Spennymoor Gala at Jubilee Park on 5 July 2025, and Spennymoor Brass Festival at Spennymoor Market Place on 10 July 2025.

The board was scheduled to receive an update on the Spennymoor Youth working group, which had been established to work with young people.

This week in County Durham:

• The County Durham Local Access Forum discussed the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project and Environmental Land Management Schemes.
• The Highways Committee endorsed traffic regulation changes in Durham City and Langley Park, and a one-way system in Seaham.
• The Chief Officer Appointments Committee met to interview candidates for the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Climate Change.
• The Appeals and Complaints Sub-Committee convened to consider an appeal, excluding the public due to exempt information.
• The General Licensing and Registration Sub-Committee (2) deferred a private hire operator license application and issued a warning to a driver.
• The Area Planning Committee (South and West) approved supported housing in Spennymoor and were minded to approve bungalows in Trimdon Village.

County Durham Local Access Forum - Monday 14 April 2025

The County Durham Local Access Forum convened to discuss access and rights of way issues. The forum received updates on the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine project, Environmental Land Management Schemes, the Durham City Green Corridor, and the Stockton and Darlington Railway walking and cycling routes. The forum also received an Active Travel Team update, and agreed to update their work programme.

Of particular interest was the discussion of Agricultural Property Relief, where concerns were raised about proposed government reforms and their potential impact on farmers. The Active Travel Team update highlighted the council's obligations under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure accessibility for disabled people, including the removal of physical barriers.

Highways Committee - Tuesday 15 April 2025

The Highways Committee endorsed changes to traffic regulations in Durham City and Langley Park, and a one-way system in Seaham.

In Durham City, the committee endorsed increasing the road user charge from £2 to £5 and extending the hours of operation. The committee heard objections from parents of children at Choristers School, who argued that the increased charge was unreasonable. Councillor Angela Sterling stated that school drop off and pick up issues were not a matter for the Highways Committee, as road safety was the priority. Councillor Douglas Oliver supported the application, stating that the road user charge should be increased in line with other authorities such as London.

In Langley Park, the committee endorsed the introduction of traffic calming features in the form of speed cushions on C62 Low Moor Road. The committee heard objections from residents who raised concerns about noise and vibration, vehicle emissions, and increased danger to cyclists and motorcyclists. Councillor Arnie Simpson spoke in support of the application, stating that similar schemes in areas such as Framlington Moor had improved road safety and slowed traffic.

In Seaham, the committee endorsed the introduction of a one-way system and traffic calming measures on Ash Crescent. The committee heard an objection from a resident who raised concerns about the necessity of the one-way system, the potential increase in danger, noise, and pollution from the speed cushions, and the waste of money.

Chief Officer Appointments Committee - Tuesday 15 April 2025

The Chief Officer Appointments Committee met to conduct formal interviews for the position of Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Climate Change. The role is responsible for overseeing strategies and initiatives related to local communities and environmental sustainability.

Appeals and Complaints Sub-Committee - Wednesday 16 April 2025

The Appeals and Complaints Sub-Committee convened to consider an appeal. The agenda included a resolution to exclude the public during the discussion of items containing exempt information, suggesting that sensitive or confidential details were involved.

General Licensing and Registration Sub-Committee (2) - Wednesday 16 April 2025

The General Licensing and Registration Sub-Committee (2) addressed licensing matters, focusing on private hire services. The sub-committee deferred consideration of an application for a private hire operator license and granted a private hire driver licence, but issued a written warning.

Area Planning Committee (South and West) - Thursday 17 April 2025

The Area Planning Committee (South and West) approved the building of supported housing in Spennymoor, despite local objections, and were minded to approve the construction of 42 bungalows in Trimdon Village, subject to legal agreements being completed.

The committee approved an application for the erection of 7 one-bedroom dwellings and one one-bedroom dwelling to be occupied by an on-site manager, with associated access, landscaping, and ancillary works on land to the east of 1 Ladysmock Close, Spennymoor. Councillor Jim Rowlandson, Portfolio Holder for Resources, Investment and Assets, supported the application, stating that it would help those who had found themselves either homeless or at risk of homelessness, and coincided with new government initiatives on homelessness. Councillor Brian McAloon, local member, objected to the location of the dwellings, as it was opposite 20 bungalows occupied by elderly vulnerable residents.

The committee were minded to approve a report for the construction of 42 bungalows (as amended) at land west of petrol filling station, Bank Top Terrace, Trimdon Village. Councillor Carol Varty, local member, supported the application, but was concerned regarding traffic and the lack of a new doctor's surgery to cater for the additional residents. The application was minded to be approved subject to the completion of the legal agreements contained in the report.

The committee also considered a report for the erection of a 3,600-seated arena, a small lake, landscaped hillside performance area, performance bridge, and associated works for a 'Lost Feather' bird show at Kynren, Flatts Farm, Toronto, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7SF. The application was recommended for approval subject to conditions.

This week in County Durham:

• The Appeals and Complaints Sub-Committee met to discuss an appeal from Children and Young People's Services.
• The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee considered a premises licence for St Mary's College¹, and reviewed minutes from November 2024.
• The Chief Officer Appointments Committee conducted interviews for the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth.
• The Area Planning Committee (Central and East) discussed applications for housing, a fire station extension, and change of use requests.
• The Cabinet approved a Community Asset Transfer Policy and the Corporate Asset Management Plan 2025-2030.
• The Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington Pension Board Committee discussed pensions, risk, ill health retirements and internal disputes.
• The Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington Audit and Finance Committee approved the Statement of Accounts and reviewed the Corporate Risk Register.
• The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee reviewed the premises licence for The White Horse pub in Ferryhill².

Appeals and Complaints Sub-Committee - Monday 07 April 2025

The Appeals and Complaints Sub-Committee met to consider an appeal from Children and Young People's Services. The meeting was scheduled to discuss the procedure for the appeal hearing, the appellant's statement, and the hearing officer's statement. No video was provided.

Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 08 April 2025

The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee convened to consider a premises licence application for St Mary's College and review the minutes of a previous meeting.

Premises Licence Application - St Mary's College, Elvet Hill Road, Durham DH1 3LR

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for St Mary's College, submitted by Mr Ricky Cohen on behalf of Durham University. The application requests permission for plays, films, live music, recorded music, performances of dance, and the supply of alcohol.

Two representations opposing the application were received from local residents, Ms Ward and Ms A Waters, citing concerns related to the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance, as outlined in the Licensing Act 2003. The Licensing Act 2003 is the act of parliament that governs the sale and supply of alcohol in England and Wales.

Mr Cohen stated that the application seeks to extend the scope of licensable activities to allow for occasional commercial events predominantly outside of term time. He also outlined measures in place to prevent public nuisance, including a detailed noise management plan and CCTV monitoring.

The sub-committee was reminded of their options, including granting the licence with or without modifications, excluding licensable activities, refusing to specify a Designated Premises Supervisor, or rejecting the application.

Minutes of the Meeting held on 26 November 2024

The sub-committee was scheduled to review the minutes of the meeting held on 26 November 2024, which related to an application for a Premises Licence for Memory Lane, 51 Church Street, Seaham, SR7 7HF. The applicant, Mrs T Price, requested permission to sell alcohol and operate until 11pm, with additional seasonal hours until 1am for Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

The minutes note that Memory Lane had previously held a premises licence that was revoked following a summary review submitted by Durham Constabulary. The previous Licence Holder and Designated Premises Supervisor, Mrs E Bird, was appealing that decision at the Magistrates Court.

The Senior Licensing Enforcement Officer raised concerns about Mrs T Price's experience and the potential for Ms P Rutherford and Ms E Porritt to be working at the premises the majority of the time, despite not being the licence holder or Designated Premises Supervisor.

The Sub-Committee resolved to refuse the application for a Premises Licence.

Chief Officer Appointments Committee - Tuesday 08 April 2025

The Chief Officer Appointments Committee met to discuss the appointment of a Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth. Formal interviews were conducted during the meeting. No video was provided.

Area Planning Committee (Central and East) - Tuesday 08 April 2025

The Area Planning Committee (Central and East) was scheduled to discuss several planning applications. No video was provided.

Land to the South of 28 Station Road, West Rainton

An application for the erection of 20 affordable dwellings on land south of 28 Station Road, West Rainton was to be considered. The proposed development would consist of 12 two-bedroom bungalows, 4 two-bedroom houses, and 4 three-bedroom houses, all designated as affordable dwellings.

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

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

Land to the South of Co-operative Funeral Service, Front Street, Sherburn Hill

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for the erection of one dormer bungalow on land to the south of the Co-operative Funeral Service on Front Street, Sherburn Hill.

Silver Howe, Heathways, High Shincliffe

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for a variation of condition 2 of planning application DM/22/01509/FPA at Silver Howe, Heathways, High Shincliffe.

8 Cooper Square, Gilesgate, Durham

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for a change of use from Dwelling (C3)³ to HMO (C4)⁴ at 38 Cooper Square, Gilesgate, Durham, including a driveway extension, single-storey rear extension, bin store and cycle rack.

8 Goodyear Crescent, Sherburn Road Estate, Durham

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for a change of use from dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a small house in multiple occupation HMO (Use Class C4) at 38 Goodyear Crescent, Sherburn Road Estate, Durham, including extension of driveway, cycle parking and bin storage.

Land to the East of 36 Hallgarth Street, Durham

The committee was scheduled to discuss a retrospective application for change of use from open space to parking area at land to the east of 36 Hallgarth Street, Durham.

Cabinet - Wednesday 09 April 2025

The Cabinet approved a new Community Asset Transfer Policy, and the Corporate Asset Management Plan 2025-2030. The Cabinet also reviewed the Quarter Three Performance Management Report and the Poverty Issues Annual Report.

The Community Asset Transfer Policy codifies current operating practices and processes for community asset transfers, building on the community building strategy adopted in 2012. The policy outlines a four-stage process: expression of interest, outline business case, full business case, and legal transfer.

The Corporate Asset Management Plan (CAMP) covers the council's property portfolio and estate. The updated CAMP sets out improvements in property management and affirms the commitment to ensuring the estate delivers for the council as a whole.

Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington Pension Board Committee - Wednesday 09 April 2025

The Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington Pension Board Committee met to discuss a number of items relating to the Fire Authority's pension scheme, including a pensions update, risk register, and correspondence log. The meeting also included a discussion of ill health retirements, injury awards and internal disputes. No video was provided.

Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington Audit and Finance Committee - Thursday 10 April 2025

The Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington Audit and Finance Committee met and approved the Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024. They also discussed the Audit Progress Report, the Internal Audit Progress Report, the Internal Audit Plan for 2025/26, and the Corporate Risk Register.

The committee reviewed the Corporate Risk Register, which identifies high-level risks facing the Fire and Rescue Service. Six risks are currently listed on the register, including the risk of a heightened terrorist threat, industrial action, and insufficient government funding.

The Audit and Finance Committee were asked to agree the Internal Audit Plan for 2025/26, which was based on the Service Level Agreement between Durham County Council and the Fire Authority, and will deliver 86 productive audit days.

Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 10 April 2025

The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider an application by Durham Constabulary to review the premises licence for The White Horse pub in Ferryhill.

The application for review was made under Section 53A of the Licensing Act 2003, which allows the police to apply for an urgent review of a premises licence where they consider the premises to be associated with serious crime and/or serious disorder.

On 20 March 2025, the Licensing Statutory Sub-Committee decided to remove the designated premises supervisor, Mr Bradd Parfitt, and suspend the premises licence with immediate effect, pending the full review.

The application for review relates to the following licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm.

The application for a summary licence review from Sergeant Caroline Dickenson of Durham Constabulary stated that police were called to The Greyhound pub in Ferryhill on 16 March 2025 after reports of a male being stabbed. CCTV footage showed a group of males leaving The White Horse pub in Ferryhill prior to the incident. Police officers who attended The White Horse on 17 March 2025 saw that the group of underage males were within the venue from 17:00hrs until closing time, buying and consuming numerous drinks from the bar without being challenged by staff.

The Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership supported the review application, raising concerns regarding the ability to promote the licensing objectives, in particular the protection of children from harm, the prevention of crime and disorder, and the protection of public safety.

Corporate Parenting Panel - Friday 11 April 2025

The Corporate Parenting Panel met to discuss the number of children in care, Ofsted updates, and the annual update on children with disabilities.

The panel was scheduled to receive a report and presentation from Rachel Farnham, Head of Children’s Social Care, on the annual update for children with disabilities. As of 13 January 2025, the team was working with 306 children, 28 of whom were in care.

The report noted that a forum had been established to ensure that the Navigation Team is made aware of children and young people aged 14 and over at an earlier stage.

The report highlighted several key areas of focus for the CwD team, including preparation for adulthood, social care advice, communication, short breaks, and specialist homes.

This week, the County Durham Council held several meetings. Here are the details:

1. County Council - Wednesday 26 June 2024
2. General Licensing and Registration Sub-Committee (2) - Wednesday 26 June 2024
3. Chief Officer Appointments Committee - Wednesday 26 June 2024
4. Area Planning Committee (North) - Thursday 27 June 2024
5. Audit Committee - Friday 28 June 2024
6. Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee - Friday 28 June 2024
7. Local Pension Board - Monday 24 June 2024
8. Police and Crime Panel - Thursday 27 June 2024
9. Pension Fund Committee - Monday 24 June 2024
10. Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington - Tuesday 25 June 2024
11. Charter Trustees for the City of Durham - Wednesday 26 June 2024

County Council

The County Council meeting on Wednesday 26 June 2024 covered several key topics:

Safe Durham Partnership Strategy: The Safe Durham Partnership presented its new strategy for 2024-2028, focusing on six key priorities: anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse and sexual violence, serious organised crime, substance misuse, exploitation, and road safety. The strategy aims to reduce crime and improve community safety across County Durham.

Publication of Councillor Addresses: The Council debated whether to continue publishing Councillors' home addresses. The original recommendation to only publish the name of the Ward or Parish and the County Division was approved, aiming to balance transparency with the safety of councillors and their families.

Economy and Enterprise Scrutiny Committee: Councillor Beaty Moist was appointed as the new Chair following the resignation of Councillor Zair.

Future Meeting Dates: The Council approved dates for future meetings, including sessions in September, October, December, January, February, and March.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee on Friday 28 June 2024 discussed several significant issues:

Climate Emergency Response Plan: The Head of Environment presented an update on the Council's Climate Emergency Response Plan, highlighting the Council's targets for reducing carbon emissions and the challenges faced, particularly in the transport sector.

Treasury Management Update: The Principal Accountant provided an update on the Treasury Management Code of Practice and Prudential Code for Capital Financing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced budget and the role of the Audit Committee in scrutinizing treasury management.

Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee

The Central Durham Crematorium Joint Committee met on Friday 28 June 2024 to discuss the performance and financial management of the crematorium:

Performance: The crematorium exceeded its budgeted number of cremations, leading to an overachievement in cremation fee income.

Fees and Charges: The committee approved a two-stage increase in fees and charges to align with regional averages.

Medical Referee System: The committee discussed proposed changes to the Medical Referee system, anticipating a shift to a system of Medical Examiners as per the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.

Police and Crime Panel

The Police and Crime Panel on Thursday 27 June 2024 covered several important topics:

Right Care Right Person: The panel discussed the implementation of the initiative aimed at ensuring appropriate support for individuals experiencing mental health crises.

Quarterly Performance Report: Concerns were raised about the reported decrease in anti-social behaviour and the impact of asylum seeker dispersal on local communities. The effectiveness of CCTV and drones in tackling crime was also discussed.

Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington

The Combined Fire Authority on Tuesday 25 June 2024 approved the Community Risk Management Plan for 2024-2027, which outlines how the fire service will manage risks and work with partners to create safer communities. The Authority also approved a new Member Buddy System and decided to continue its subscription to the Local Government Association.

For more details on these meetings, you can access the full transcripts and reports through the provided links.