The Area Planning Committee (North) of Durham County Council was scheduled to consider two planning applications. One application sought to vary conditions on an approved housing development in Consett, while the other proposed a change of use for a building in Annfield Plain to a convenience store.

Variation of Condition for Housing Development in Consett

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application to vary conditions on a previously approved development of 55 affordable dwellings at land to the rear of Consett Park Terrace, Moorside, DH8 8ET. The proposed changes involved the relocation of a Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) pond and the line of a public footpath, along with amendments to landscaping, elevational details, boundary treatments, and retaining walls.

The original application, approved in November 2024, was for 100% affordable housing, including Rent-to-Buy, Shared Ownership, and rental units. The current application sought to vary conditions related to the approved plans and the flood risk assessment and drainage strategy. The report pack indicated that the proposed changes were considered acceptable and would not lead to a different planning conclusion. The original Section 106 agreement, which secured financial contributions for healthcare, Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), public open space, and public rights of way improvements, would remain unaltered.

The report highlighted that the Council's housing land supply position had fallen below the required level, which, according to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), introduces a presumption in favour of sustainable development. This was noted as giving the scheme additional positive weight in the planning balance.

Change of Use to Convenience Store in Annfield Plain

The committee was also scheduled to consider a change of use application for a building at Club, 24 West Road, Annfield Plain, Stanley, DH9 8HU. The proposal was 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 residential flat.

The application had received 21 objections and a petition with 93 signatures, primarily raising concerns about the principle of the development, amenity impact, potential for anti-social behaviour, visual impact, and highway safety. The report indicated that the applicant had demonstrated, through a Sequential Test, a lack of suitable alternative premises within the defined local centres of Annfield Plain, Stanley, and South Moor. The proposed convenience store was considered to be in a sustainable location and unlikely to undermine the vitality or viability of nearby town centres.

The report noted that the Environmental Health (Nuisance Action) Team and Durham Constabulary had raised no objections, subject to conditions controlling operating hours, servicing, deliveries, and noise levels. The proposed extension of the residential unit was considered to provide a clear division between the commercial and residential uses.

The report recommended that both applications be approved, subject to the conditions detailed within the respective reports.