Councillor Paul Mountford

Area Planning Committee (South and West) - Thursday 18 September 2025 1.00 pm

The Area Planning Committee (South and West) met on 18 September 2025, to discuss planning applications in the region. Councillors approved plans to demolish buildings on Market Place in Bishop Auckland to make way for a 59-bed hotel, and also approved advertisement and listed building consent for Central Buildings in Staindrop.

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.

Special, Area Planning Committee (South and West) - Thursday 11 September 2025 1.00 pm

The Area Planning Committee (South and West) met to consider planning applications for residential development, agricultural storage, and solar panels. The meeting was scheduled to discuss planning applications for land in Leeholme, Mickleton and Eggleston.

Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Wednesday 10 September 2025 9.30 am

The Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss the latest performance data for the council, and to evaluate the impact of Operation Trailblazer, a project designed to tackle anti-social behaviour. The committee noted the Quarter Four Performance Management Report, which highlighted both positive achievements and areas needing improvement, and reviewed the findings of the Operation Trailblazer evaluation, which will inform future strategies for tackling anti-social behaviour.

Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 4 September 2025 1.00 pm

The Statutory Licensing Sub-Committee met to discuss a single agenda item: an application for the variation of a premises licence for Seaton Supply Stores. The sub-committee is asked to determine the application with a view to promoting the licensing objectives.