The Area Planning Committee (South and West) of County Durham Council met on Thursday 16 July 2026 to consider a range of planning applications. The primary focus of the meeting was a significant expansion proposal for the Kynren show site near Bishop Auckland, which included the creation of a new Viking Arena and a 'Legend of the Wear' attraction. The committee also reviewed applications for residential development and the modification of a protected tree.

Kynren Site Expansion

The committee was scheduled to discuss two joint applications for the expansion of the Kynren show site at Flatts Farm, Toronto, Bishop Auckland, DL14 7SF. These proposals formed part of a second phase of development for the popular visitor attraction.

The first application, DM/26/00844/FPA, involved the creation of a 'Viking Arena'. This would include the erection of three stands of tiered seating surrounding an oval arena, an upturned Viking-longboat entrance feature, and two ancillary backstage buildings. Additionally, a covered seating facility known as 'The Hub' was proposed, along with associated footpaths, drainage, and landscaping.

The second application, DM/26/00880/FPA, focused on the creation of a stage set and seating area for a new attraction called 'The Legend of the Wear'. This would entail the erection of six buildings, a water mill, connecting wooden pathways, a false island, a mechanical submerged stage within a Show Lake, a bridge over the lake, and visitor seating, all with associated footpaths, drainage, and landscaping.

The report pack indicated that these developments were largely complete and were intended to extend the visitor offer at Kynren, providing attractions on days when the main show does not operate. The applications were considered to be Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) development, and the report noted that the proposals were broadly in line with the site's masterplan and previous planning approvals. The report highlighted that the socio-economic benefits of the Kynren site, as a key visitor attraction, were recognised in County Durham Plan (CDP) Policy 7.

A number of objections had been received concerning traffic, highway safety, residential amenity, noise, air quality, heritage, landscape, flood risk, and ecology. However, the report's executive summary suggested that the developments would not adversely impact the vitality and viability of Bishop Auckland Town Centre, and would not result in harm to the Area of Higher Landscape Value or heritage assets beyond previous assumptions. It was also concluded that cumulative noise levels would remain within previously established limits, and that residual harm to residential amenity would be offset by socio-economic benefits. The report recommended approval of both applications, subject to conditions and a Section 106 legal agreement to secure a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) monitoring fee.

Residential Development at Bishop Auckland

The committee was also scheduled to consider an application for the construction of 18 dwellings and one supported living unit with associated means of access on land to the east of Holdforth Crest, South Church Road, Bishop Auckland, DL14 6DU (DM/25/03073/FPA). The report pack indicated that the site was not allocated for housing in the County Durham Plan. Concerns had been raised regarding the relocation of a public right of way, significant land level changes, and potential issues with drainage, highway safety, ecology, and flood risk. The report noted that the applicant had proposed 100% affordable housing, although only 10% was required to be policy compliant, with no additional weight given to the higher proportion. The officer's recommendation was to refuse the application, citing poor design, conflict with CDP Policies 6 and 29, and Part 12 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Tree Preservation Order Application

A further item on the agenda was an application for consent to reduce the height of a Lime Tree, protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), at 19 The Paddock, Witton-le-Wear, Bishop Auckland, DL14 0GA. The proposal was to reduce the tree's height by 4-5 metres, approximately one-third of its current size. The Arboricultural Team had objected, citing a very low risk of the tree falling and a negative impact on the appearance of the conservation area. The applicant, however, expressed concerns about the tree's height causing anxiety and potential damage to their timber-framed property, particularly after the removal of other trees in the vicinity. The officer's recommendation was to refuse the application, considering the works excessive, unjustified, and contrary to Policy 40 of the County Durham Plan, the Council's Trees, Woodlands, and Hedges Supplementary Planning Document, and Part 15 of the NPPF.

Retrospective Application for Polytunnel and Shepherd's Hut

The committee was also scheduled to consider a retrospective application for full planning permission for the retention of a polytunnel for the temporary accommodation of livestock for a 10-year period, and a material change of use of land from agriculture to the siting of a shepherd's hut for holiday accommodation, with associated parking, hardstanding, and landscaping, at Cockfield Hall, Cockfield Hall Road, Cockfield, Bishop Auckland, DL13 5AD. The report indicated that 40 letters of support had been received, primarily citing benefits to animal welfare, farm viability, tourism, and the local economy. However, the Council's Landscape and Design and Conservation teams had raised objections due to perceived harm to designated heritage assets and the conservation area, with no public benefits identified as outweighing this harm. The officer's recommendation was to refuse the application, citing conflict with Policy 44(b)(f)(h) of the County Durham Plan, Part 16 of the NPPF, and Section 72 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.