The Area Planning Committee (Central and East) of County Durham Council met on Tuesday 09 June 2026 to discuss three planning applications. These included proposals for new housing developments in Easington Colliery and Brandon, as well as an outline planning application for new dwellings in Durham.

Easington Colliery Primary School Site Development

The committee was scheduled to consider a proposal for the erection of 25 dwellings with associated infrastructure and landscaping at the former Easington Colliery Primary School site in Easington Colliery, SR8 3PW. The report pack indicated that the application was for a previously developed site within the built-up area of a settlement. The proposals included a mix of two-storey dwellings, bungalows, and blocks of flats, all intended for social rent as part of the Council Homes Programme. The report highlighted that the Council could not demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, which would engage the tilted balance in favour of sustainable development as outlined in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The report noted potential conflicts with County Durham Plan (CDP) policies regarding housing mix and garden depth, but concluded that the public benefits of delivering affordable housing outweighed these concerns. Financial contributions were recommended to mitigate the impact of the development on local infrastructure, including education, healthcare, public open spaces, and active travel improvements.

Fernhill, Crossgate Moor

An outline planning application for access, with all other matters reserved, was scheduled for discussion concerning the construction of two dwellings with attached garages, the demolition of a stable block and conservatory extension at Fernhill, Newcastle Road, Crossgate Moor, Durham, DH1 4JZ. The site is located within the Green Belt. The report indicated that the development was considered not inappropriate in the Green Belt under paragraph 154(g) of the NPPF, as it involved the redevelopment of previously developed land and was not considered to cause substantial harm to the openness of the Green Belt. The report noted that while there would be some localised harm to the landscape character, this was not considered to be unacceptable, particularly given the site's designation as previously developed land and the retention of mature boundary vegetation. The proposal also included an orangery extension and a separate detached garage for the existing Fernhill property. A financial contribution towards improving public open spaces within the electoral division was recommended.

Land North East of Brandon United Football Club

The committee was also scheduled to consider the erection of 36 dwellings with associated infrastructure and landscaping on land north-east of Brandon United Football Club, Commercial Street, Brandon. The report indicated that this was a previously developed site within the built-up area of Brandon and was not allocated for housing in the County Durham Plan (CDP). All 36 proposed dwellings were to be affordable housing, offered on a Social Rent basis, as part of the Council House Delivery Programme. The development proposed a mix of Tyneside flats, bungalows, and houses. The report noted that the Council could not demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, engaging the tilted balance in favour of sustainable development under the NPPF. Financial contributions were recommended to mitigate the impact of the development on local services, including NHS GP surgery capacity, early years and secondary school capacity, SEND school capacity, public open spaces, and the local rights of way network. The report also highlighted that the development would deliver a 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.