The Area Planning Committee (South and West) of Durham County Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 18 June 2026 to consider a range of planning applications. The agenda includes proposals for new housing developments, alterations to protected trees, and a retrospective application for agricultural and holiday accommodation.

New Housing Development at Land To The East Of Holdforth Crest, Bishop Auckland

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed erection of 18 dwellings and one supported living unit at Land To The East Of Holdforth Crest, South Church Road, Bishop Auckland, DL14 6DU. The report pack indicates that officers are recommending refusal for this application. The reasons for refusal include concerns about poor design that would adversely impact the character and appearance of the area, a proposed diversion of Public Right of Way (Footpath 37) that would deteriorate the quality of the path, inadequate management of surface water and potential exacerbation of flood risk, insufficient information to demonstrate biodiversity net gains and protection of species, and a lack of detail regarding the provision of affordable housing. The report notes that while the Council cannot currently demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, the identified harms of the proposed development are considered to significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.

Tree Preservation Order Application at 19 The Paddock, Witton-le-Wear

The committee is also scheduled to consider an application concerning a lime tree at 19 The Paddock, Witton-le-Wear, Bishop Auckland, DL14 0GA, which is protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). The application seeks consent for a heavy height reduction of the tree by 4-5 metres. The report pack indicates that officers are recommending refusal for this application. The proposed works are described as excessive and unjustified, which would have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area, including the Witton-le-Wear Conservation Area. The Council's Arboricultural Section has advised that the tree is healthy, poses a very low risk of falling, and that the proposed works are contrary to good arboricultural practice. While a lesser reduction of up to 3 metres was suggested as potentially appropriate, the applicant has confirmed they wish the application to be determined on the basis of the 4-5 metre reduction.

Retrospective Application at Cockfield Hall, Cockfield

A retrospective application for the erection of a polytunnel for temporary livestock accommodation for a 10-year period, and a material change of use of land for a shepherd's hut for holiday accommodation, at Cockfield Hall, Cockfield Hall Road, Cockfield, Bishop Auckland, DL13 5AD, is also scheduled for discussion. The report pack indicates that officers are recommending refusal for this application. The primary concerns relate to the impact on the character and appearance of the Cockfield Conservation Area and the setting of nearby listed buildings, including Grade II Listed Cockfield Hall and the Grade II* Listed Church of St Mary. The polytunnel is described as a visually intrusive and incongruous structure, and the shepherd's hut is considered poorly sited, representing encroachment into the open countryside. While there are numerous letters of support citing benefits to animal welfare, farm viability, tourism, and the local economy, these are assessed as limited and not sufficient to outweigh the identified harm to heritage assets and the landscape.

Other Applications

The agenda also includes a proposal for the erection of 50 affordable dwellings on land to the north of Redworth Business Park, Redworth Road, Shildon. The report indicates that officers are recommending that the application be minded to be approved subject to confirmation of nutrient neutrality credits being purchased. Additionally, an application for the erection of 5 dwellings, a SUDS pond, and access on land to the west of 14 St Gregory Close, Staindrop, DL2 3LG, is scheduled, with officers recommending approval.