Councillor James Stephenson

Highways Committee - Monday 13 October 2025 9.30 am

The Highways Committee of Durham County Council met on 13 October 2025 to discuss proposed changes to traffic regulation orders in several locations. The meeting was scheduled to address objections received during consultations on amendments to parking and waiting restrictions in Kyo, Annfield Plain, Greencroft, Catchgate, Harelaw, and Dipton, as well as in Bishop Auckland. Councillors were asked to decide, in principle, whether the Traffic Regulation Orders should be made.

County Planning Committee - Wednesday 1 October 2025 1.00 pm

At a meeting of the County Planning Committee, councillors debated plans for 81 new homes and a convenience store in Hawthorne, ultimately voting to refuse the application, and deferred a decision on 137 new dwellings in Wheatley Hill to seek further information on education contributions. Councillors approved applications for a retail warehouse in Dragonville and a replacement school in Framwellgate Moor.

Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington - Friday 19 September 2025 10.00 am

The Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington met on 19 September 2025 to discuss correspondence, the statement of assurance, and an update from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS). The authority approved the 2024-25 Statement of Assurance.

Highways Committee - Tuesday 16 September 2025 9.30 am

The Highways Committee met to discuss proposed traffic calming measures and parking restrictions in several areas. Councillors endorsed proposals for traffic calming in Kelloe and new parking restrictions in Blackhall, Blackhill and Shotley Bridge, Chester-le-Street and Birtley, and Coxhoe, all of which will now proceed for a final decision by the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Environment. The committee also approved a Definitive Map Modification Order related to public footpaths near Esh.

Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday 15 September 2025 9.30 am

The Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on 15 September 2025, and members reviewed the work of the County Durham Economic Partnership, the progress of Strategic Place Plans, the council's financial performance, and the latest performance data against the Council Plan 2024-28. The committee agreed to note the reports and presentations provided.