The County Planning Committee was scheduled to discuss a proposal for the construction of 99 new dwellings and a community park and stride facility at Land West of Gladstone Terrace, Coxhoe. The committee's report pack also included information on applications for a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Land South of Spennymoor Electricity Substation and the redevelopment of Durham Academy.

Land West of Gladstone Terrace, Coxhoe

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for the construction of 99 dwellings, along with a community park and stride facility, at Land West of Gladstone Terrace, Coxhoe. The proposed development includes a mix of bungalows and houses, with a commitment to providing affordable housing units. The application also details plans for a Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SuDS) basin, swales, and permeable paving to manage surface water. Acoustic fencing is proposed along the southern and western boundaries to mitigate noise from the nearby A1(M) and Stray Aid animal shelter.

The report pack highlighted extensive consultation with various stakeholders, including Coxhoe Parish Council, who conditionally supported the application, subject to developer contributions towards education and the reconsideration of resident parking. Concerns were raised by local residents regarding highway and traffic impacts, residential amenity, and the need for additional housing. Conversely, letters of support emphasised the contribution to housing supply, road safety improvements from the park and stride facility, and the inclusion of sustainability measures.

The application was assessed against national and local planning policies, including the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the County Durham Plan (CDP). Key considerations included the principle of development, compatibility with neighbouring land uses, developer contributions for infrastructure, sustainable transport, highway safety, housing need, and ecological impacts. The report detailed significant mitigation measures proposed to address concerns regarding noise from the adjacent Stray Aid facility and the A1(M), including acoustic barriers, enhanced glazing, and mechanical ventilation systems.

The report also outlined proposed developer contributions towards education, healthcare, and public open space, as well as measures to ensure biodiversity net gain. The application was recommended for approval, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement to secure these contributions and provisions.

Land South of Spennymoor Electricity Substation (south), Thinford Lane, Thinford

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), including associated infrastructure, on land to the South of Spennymoor Electricity Substation. The report pack detailed objections from local residents and the local member, Councillor Blakey, who raised concerns about the proximity to properties and a conservation area, as well as potential impacts on footpaths and wildlife. Safety concerns regarding the new technology and potential fire risks were also highlighted.

The landowner, Mr J Gregory, spoke in support of the application, describing it as a farm-led initiative that would provide financial stability and contribute to national energy policy objectives. He stated that the site was not on the best and most versatile agricultural land and that it would be restored to agricultural use post-operation. The report noted that County Durham & Darlington Fire and Rescue Service had been consulted and raised no objection, with a condition for a fire safety plan to be agreed.

The application was recommended for approval, subject to the completion of a planning obligation under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 for payment of the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) monitoring fee and amended conditions.

Durham Academy, Bracken Court, Ushaw Moor

The committee was scheduled to receive a report regarding a Full Planning Application for the demolition of existing buildings at Durham Academy and the redevelopment to deliver a new school building with associated landscaping and refurbishment works. The Principal Planning Officer provided updates on changes following the report's publication, including reconsultations and responses from consultees.

The agent, Ms L Chandler, supported the application, highlighting the demolition of outdated buildings and the creation of a new, sustainable school building designed to accommodate up to 500 pupils. The Head Teacher, Ms A Jobling, also spoke in support, emphasising that the proposed new build represented an investment in children and would provide purpose-built learning spaces.

Councillor Wilkes commended the application for a zero-carbon school and raised a query regarding the timing of internal versus external construction works, which was clarified by the Principal Planning Officer. The committee was to consider an amended recommendation for approval, with an additional amendment to a condition relating to the start time of internal works. The application was recommended for approval subject to prior payment for the monitoring of on-site biodiversity, amended conditions, and an amendment to a specific condition regarding working hours.