This meeting was scheduled to include a discussion of a planning application for a change of use of a dwelling to a children's home in Trimdon Station.

DM/24/02385/FPA - 39B and Part of Garden Area of No. 40 Front Street North, Trimdon, Trimdon Station, TS29 6PG

The application requested a change of use from a dwelling (Use Class C3) to a children’s home (Use Class C2) for no more than two young people between the ages of 6 - 17 years old. The children's home would be staffed by two members of staff at all times. The application also requested the retention of an outbuilding in the rear garden, for use as an office/meeting space.

The application had been called to committee by Councillor Hovvels and Alan Strickland MP¹ following concerns raised by local residents.

The Parish Council objected to the application on the grounds of limited parking, highway safety, and the potential impact on the privacy of residents from CCTV.

The Highway Authority raised no objections.

Durham Constabulary raised no significant concerns.

The council's Children and Young People’s Services team raised no objections, stating that there is a need for children’s homes in the area.

220 letters of objection and 2 letters of representation were received from members of the public. The objections mainly related to concerns about parking provision, highway safety, noise and disturbance, and the potential for crime and anti-social behaviour. Some residents also raised concerns about the impact of the development on the character of the conservation area and the level of information provided.

The applicant, Willow Bloom Group Limited, stated that they were committed to the council's 'Durham First' policy² and that they would work closely with the police and other agencies to ensure the smooth running of the home.

The report considered the proposal against the relevant policies of the County Durham Plan and the National Planning Policy Framework. The report concluded that the principle of the development was acceptable subject to conditions.

The report recommended that planning permission be granted subject to nine conditions.