The Area Planning Committee (North) of Durham County Council was scheduled to consider two planning applications. The first application concerned proposed variations to an approved development of 55 affordable dwellings in Moorside, DH8 8ET, focusing on changes to drainage and public rights of way. The second application was for a change of use from a business centre to a convenience store with an extension of residential accommodation in Annfield Plain, Stanley, DH9 8HU.

Variation of Condition for Affordable Housing Development in Moorside

The committee was scheduled to discuss a proposed variation of conditions for a development of 55 affordable dwellings on land to the rear of Consett Park Terrace, Moorside, DH8 8ET. The application, DM/26/00089/VOC, sought to vary condition 2 (approved plans) and condition 16 (compliance with Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy) of a previous approval.

The proposed changes included the relocation of a Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) pond and associated landscaping, amendments to the approved drainage scheme, the diversion of a public right of way, and minor alterations to elevational details, boundary treatments, and retaining walls. The report pack indicated that the original application, approved in November 2024, was for 100% affordable housing, comprising Rent-to-Buy, Shared Ownership, and rental units, with a significant proportion of bungalows and properties meeting National Described Space Standards (NDSS).

The report highlighted that the planning policy context remained consistent with the previous approval. It noted that the Council's housing land supply position had evolved, falling below the required level, which introduced a presumption in favour of sustainable development. The report stated that the proposed changes were considered acceptable and that the original Section 106 agreement, which secured financial contributions for healthcare, off-site Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), public open space, and public rights of way improvements, would remain unaltered. The recommendation was for the application to be approved, subject to conditions consistent with the previously approved scheme.

Change of Use to Convenience Store in Annfield Plain

The committee was also scheduled to consider an application for a change of use from a business centre to a convenience store at ground floor level, with an extension of existing residential accommodation on the first floor, at Club, 24 West Road, Annfield Plain, Stanley, DH9 8HU. The application, DM/25/02487/FPA, proposed a new shop front and internal alterations to facilitate the convenience store, which was intended to operate between 07:00 and 23:00 daily. The first floor would be converted into a single residential flat for occupation by the applicant and their family, in conjunction with the store.

The report indicated that 21 letters of objection had been received, along with a petition, primarily raising concerns about the principle of the development, potential impacts on amenity, anti-social behaviour, visual impact, and highway safety. The report noted that the site was located outside the defined Local Centre of Annfield Plain, but a Sequential Test had demonstrated a lack of suitable alternative premises within nearby centres. The Spatial Policy Team had raised no objections, concluding that the development would not undermine the vitality or viability of nearby centres.

The report detailed that the proposed extension of the residential use would provide a clear division between the commercial and residential aspects of the building. The Environmental Health (Nuisance Action) Team had recommended conditions to control operating hours, servicing, deliveries, and noise levels from fixed plant. Durham Constabulary had raised no objections, subject to a condition controlling operating hours. The Highways Authority had also raised no objections, subject to conditions regarding cycle parking and protective traffic bollards. The recommendation was for the application to be approved, subject to conditions and informatives.