The Area Planning Committee (North) of Durham County Council met on Thursday 23 July 2026 and considered four planning applications. The committee approved three applications for the use of properties as children's homes, while refusing one retrospective application for a dog kennelling facility.

Children's Homes Approved

The committee approved three applications to use properties at Hole House Farm, Lanchester, Durham, DH7 0SY as children's homes. These applications, for Bat Barn (DM/26/01049/FPA), Badger Barn (DM/26/01167/FPA), and Owl Barn (DM/26/01168/FPA), were all for the use of the properties as children's homes (Use Class C2) for up to two children aged between 7 and 17 years.

Despite officers recommending refusal for all three applications due to concerns about the sustainability of the rural location, limited outdoor amenity space, and the cumulative impact of multiple children's homes in close proximity, the committee voted to approve them. Councillor Cathy Hunt, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People, spoke in support of the applications, highlighting the significant shortage of suitable placements for children with complex needs within County Durham and the provider's strong reputation. Mr D Robinson, representing the applicant, also emphasised the benefits of a rural setting for vulnerable young people and the council's statutory duty to provide sufficient accommodation.

Members acknowledged the planning concerns raised by officers, particularly regarding sustainability and outdoor space, but ultimately decided that the public benefits of providing specialist accommodation for vulnerable children outweighed these issues. The approved applications will be subject to conditions, including a personal permission tying the use to the applicant, and conditions relating to parking, the number of children accommodated, management policies, CCTV, cycle storage, and EV charging installation.

Dog Kennelling Facility Refused

The committee refused a retrospective application (DM/24/01255/FPA) for a change of use of land at 5A Front Street, Burnhope, Durham, DH7 0DL. The application sought to change the use of a paddock to dog kennels and pens for personal use to accommodate up to 33 dogs, alongside the change of use of an existing annexe to a separate dwelling and a barn to mixed use.

Officers recommended refusal, citing concerns about noise nuisance and impacts on residential amenity, the urbanising effect of the infrastructure within the countryside, and the failure to demonstrate compliance with biodiversity net gain requirements. The Council's Nuisance Action Team had objected due to a history of substantiated noise complaints, culminating in a Noise Nuisance Abatement Notice served in July 2024. The Spatial Policy Team also raised concerns about the scale of the canine use and its impact on residential amenity and the rural character of the area.

Councillor C Martin moved for refusal, aligning with the officer recommendation, and this was seconded by Councillor A Neil. The motion to refuse the application was carried. The refusal was based on the significant and ongoing noise and disturbance from the scale of dog-keeping activities, the incompatibility with the surrounding residential context, the urbanising appearance of the infrastructure in the countryside, and the failure to demonstrate biodiversity net gain. The Principal Planning Officer advised that a reasonable timescale would be agreed with the applicant for the cessation of the unauthorised use and restoration of the land.