The Area Planning Committee (North) of Durham County Council was scheduled to consider two planning applications. One application concerned proposed variations to an approved development of affordable housing in Moorside, while the other sought a change of use for a property in Annfield Plain to a convenience store with an extended residential flat.

Variation of Condition for Affordable Housing Development in Moorside

The committee was scheduled to discuss a proposed variation of conditions for a development of 55 affordable dwellings at land to the rear of Consett Park Terrace, Moorside, DH8 8ET. The application, DM/26/00089/VOC, sought to vary condition 2 (approved plans) and condition 16 (compliance with Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy) of a previous approval.

The proposed changes included the relocation of a Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) pond and the associated public footpath, amendments to the landscaping scheme, minor alterations to the elevational details of dwellings, and changes to boundary treatments and retaining walls. The report pack indicated that the original application, approved in November 2024, was for 100% affordable housing, comprising Rent-to-Buy, Shared Ownership, and rental units, with a significant proportion of bungalows and accessible homes.

The report highlighted that the current application was a variation of condition, not a re-opening of the principle of the original consent. The proposed changes were considered acceptable, with additional positive weight given to the Council's housing land supply position. The report noted that the existing Section 106 agreement, which secured financial contributions for healthcare, off-site Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), public open space, and public rights of way improvements, would remain unaltered. The recommendation was for the application to be approved, subject to conditions consistent with the previously approved scheme.

Change of Use to Convenience Store in Annfield Plain

The committee was also scheduled to consider an application for a change of use at Club, 24 West Road, Annfield Plain, Stanley, DH9 8HU. The application, DM/25/02487/FPA, sought to change the use of the ground floor from a business centre (Class E(g)) to a convenience store (Class E(a)), with an extension of the existing residential accommodation on the first floor to create a single, larger flat.

The report indicated that 21 letters of objection had been received, along with a petition of 93 signatures, primarily raising concerns about the principle of the development, amenity impact, potential for anti-social behaviour, visual impact, and highway safety. Councillor Karen Allison had called in the application due to these concerns.

The applicant had submitted a Sequential Test, which the report stated demonstrated a lack of suitable, sequentially preferable premises in the local area for the proposed convenience store. The report noted that the site was located outside the defined Local Centre of Annfield Plain but was considered a sustainable location within the built-up area. The proposed convenience store was described as small-scale and unlikely to undermine the vitality or viability of nearby town centres.

The report detailed that the proposed extension of the residential use on the upper floor would provide accommodation for the applicant and their family, linked to the operation of the store below. The Environmental Health (Nuisance Action) Team and Durham Constabulary had raised no objections, subject to conditions controlling operating hours, servicing, and noise levels. The Highways Authority also raised no objections, subject to conditions regarding cycle parking and traffic bollards. The recommendation was for the application to be approved, subject to conditions.