The Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Durham County Council met on Thursday 10 September 2026 to discuss the council's five-year housing land supply, an overview of place plans, and the financial outturn for the Regeneration, Economy and Growth service. The committee also reviewed its work programme for the upcoming year.

Five-Year Housing Land Supply Position Statement

A key item on the agenda was the council's Five-Year Housing Land Supply Position Statement as of April 2026. The report indicated that County Durham currently has a deliverable housing land supply equivalent to 3.92 years, falling short of the required five years. This shortfall is primarily attributed to an increase in the annual housing requirement from 1,308 dwellings per annum under the County Durham Plan to 2,036 dwellings per annum, as dictated by the Government's Standard Method following the fifth anniversary of the County Durham Plan. Despite this, housing delivery performance in County Durham has remained strong, with a cumulative surplus of 1,739 dwellings delivered since 2016/17. The report highlighted that a planning permission does not automatically guarantee a contribution to the five-year supply, as deliverability requires evidence of actual delivery within the specified timeframe. The council is actively pursuing measures to support housing delivery, including engagement with developers and the preparation of a new County Durham Plan.

Overview of Place Plans

The committee was scheduled to receive an overview of Place Plans, which are strategic plans designed to shape the future development and economic growth of specific areas within County Durham. These plans typically outline visions for housing delivery, employment locations, infrastructure development, environmental protection, and the improvement of residents' health and well-being.

Regeneration, Economy and Growth Revenue and Capital Outturn 2025/26

The committee was presented with the final revenue and capital outturn for the Regeneration, Economy and Growth (REG) service for the financial year 2025/26. The report indicated an underspend of £1.274 million against a revised revenue budget of £43.918 million. This underspend was attributed to various factors across different service areas, including savings in Culture, Sport and Tourism due to the delayed opening of The Light venue, and underspends in Planning and Housing related to staffing vacancies and planning fee reinvestment. The capital programme for REG had a revised budget of £75.568 million, with total expenditure of £60.573 million, representing an underspend of £14.995 million. This underspend was largely due to delays in projects within Inclusive Growth and Partnerships, Culture, Sport & Tourism, and Planning & Housing.

Economy and Enterprise OSC Work Programme 2026/27

The committee reviewed its draft work programme for 2026/27. The programme, informed by key strategic documents and local priorities, aims to provide a framework for scrutiny activities. Members were asked to consider if the programme remained balanced, focused on key priorities, and sufficiently flexible to accommodate emerging issues. The work programme can be delivered through various methods, including formal meetings, informal sessions, and site visits.

The committee also noted the minutes from the County Durham Economic Partnership Board meeting held on 21 April 2026.