The Area Planning Committee (Central and East) meeting scheduled for Tuesday 10 February 2026 was set to discuss several planning applications for new housing developments and changes of use. The committee was scheduled to consider applications for up to 20 new dwellings in Bowburn, 22 new dwellings in Thornley, the change of use of an agricultural barn to a residential dwelling in Trimdon Station, and the change of use of agricultural land to dog walking fields in Hesleden. Additionally, a variation of a condition for a listed building in Durham was to be discussed.

Applications to be Determined by the Area Planning Committee (Central and East)

Land to the South West of 27 Durham Road West, Bowburn, DH6 5AU

An outline application was scheduled for discussion regarding the erection of up to 20 dwellings, along with associated open space, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), and infrastructure. Access was the only matter for which full consent was requested at this stage. The report pack indicated that the site is not allocated in the County Durham Plan (CDP) but was considered acceptable in principle. Concerns had been raised by members of the public regarding highway safety and the construction process, as well as the retention of an existing hedge.

Land to the South of South Parade, Thornley, DH6 3EG

The committee was scheduled to consider a full planning application for the erection of 22 dwellings with associated infrastructure and landscaping. The site, which previously housed dwellings demolished in the 1960s, is currently public open space and is not allocated for housing in the CDP. Objections had been received from the public concerning the loss of public open space, increased traffic, capacity of local services, and impact on neighbouring residents' amenity. The report pack noted concerns from the Highways officer regarding insufficient parking bays at two plots and from the Affordable Housing officer regarding the proposed first-floor flats not addressing local need.

Land to the North of 3 Fairlawns Close, Trimdon Station, TS29 6HZ

A full planning application was scheduled for discussion concerning the change of use of an existing agricultural barn to a residential dwelling. The proposal also included the conversion of surrounding land to domestic amenity space, the installation of an air source heat pump, and associated retrospective access. The site is located in the countryside, beyond the settlement edge of Trimdon Station, and is not allocated for housing in the CDP. The DCC Landscape Section had raised an objection, stating that the development would undermine the open and rural character of the area and introduce an urbanising effect.

Land North West of Ebony Stud 3, Weems Farm, Mickle Hill Road, Hesleden, TS27 4PY

The committee was scheduled to consider a full planning application for the change of use of agricultural land to two secure dog walking fields. The proposal included associated access from Mickle Hill Road, a parking area, two timber shelters, fencing, and gates. The report indicated that the development was necessary to support an established rural enterprise and its long-term viability. While approximately 60% of the site comprises Best and Most Versatile agricultural land, the proposal was not expected to result in permanent soil loss or degradation. The economic, social, and recreational benefits, along with biodiversity enhancements, were considered to outweigh the limited impact on agricultural land.

Leazes Cottage, Leazes Place, Durham, DH1 1RE

A variation of condition application was scheduled for discussion concerning planning permission DM/21/04095/LB. The application sought to allow an increase in the height of the stone wall at Leazes Cottage, a Grade II Listed building within the Durham City conservation area. Objections had been received, primarily concerning the impact on the designated heritage asset. However, the Council's Design and Conservation Section had raised no objections, stating that the proposed changes would not harm the special architectural or historic interest of the conservation area or the setting of the listed building.

The meeting also had scheduled items for apologies for absence, substitute members, and the minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 January 2026. Declarations of interest were also to be noted.