The Area Planning Committee (Central and East) of County Durham Council met on Tuesday 21 July 2026 to consider three planning applications. These included a change of use for a unit on an industrial estate, the subdivision of a dwelling into two flats, and a change of use for a property to allow flexible occupation as either a dwelling or a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

Change of Use at North West Industrial Estate, Peterlee

A proposal to change the use of part of a unit at 3 Cook Way, North West Industrial Estate, Peterlee, SR8 2HY from Use Class B8 (storage and distribution) to Use Class E(d) (indoor sport, recreation or fitness) was scheduled for discussion. The application sought permission for the conversion of the industrial unit into an indoor padel court facility, featuring 12 courts. The report pack indicated that no objections had been received from neighbouring properties, with six letters of support noting the potential benefits for workers on the estate and the positive re-use of a large building. The recommendation was for the application to be approved, subject to conditions.

Subdivision of Dwelling at 18 Boyd Street, Durham

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for the subdivision of the existing dwellinghouse at 18 Boyd Street, Durham, DH1 3DP into two self-contained flats (Use Class C3), along with a two-storey rear extension. The application had attracted objections from the City of Durham Parish Council, the City of Durham Trust, and the Elvet Residents Association, primarily concerning the need for the development, potential impacts on highway safety, and the property's suitability as a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Despite these objections, the recommendation was for the application to be approved, subject to conditions and the applicant entering into a legal agreement for a contribution towards public open spaces.

Flexible Use Application at 4 Goodyear Crescent, Sherburn Road, Durham

A planning application for a change of use at 4 Goodyear Crescent, Sherburn Road, Durham, DH1 2EB was also on the agenda. The proposal sought to change the use from a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) to a flexible use permission, allowing the property to switch between a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) (Use Class C4) and a dwellinghouse (Use Class C3) for a period of 10 years, under the provisions of the General Permitted Development Order (GPDO). This also included a single-storey rear extension, cycle parking, and bin storage. The report pack noted that an appeal against non-determination had been made, meaning the Planning Inspectorate would ultimately decide on this application. However, the committee was asked to resolve what decision they would have made. Objections had been received regarding the principle of the development, highway safety, parking, and residential amenity. The officers' recommendation was to be minded to refuse the application, citing concerns that the property was located on a primary access route for students, which could lead to an imbalance in the community and detrimental impacts on residential amenity.