Councillor David Freeman

Special (Joint meeting with Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee), Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee - Monday 13 October 2025 1.30 pm

This was a special joint meeting of the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee. The main item for discussion was a report and presentation on fuel poverty in County Durham. Councillors were expected to comment on the report and presentation, and to consider receiving a further update on fuel poverty at a future meeting.

Area Planning Committee (Central and East) - Tuesday 7 October 2025 1.00 pm

The Area Planning Committee (Central and East) met to discuss several planning applications, including residential developments and changes of use for properties in the County Durham area. The meeting was scheduled to cover apologies, substitutions, and the minutes from a previous meeting held on 9 September 2025[^1].

County Planning Committee - Wednesday 1 October 2025 1.00 pm

At a meeting of the County Planning Committee, councillors debated plans for 81 new homes and a convenience store in Hawthorne, ultimately voting to refuse the application, and deferred a decision on 137 new dwellings in Wheatley Hill to seek further information on education contributions. Councillors approved applications for a retail warehouse in Dragonville and a replacement school in Framwellgate Moor.

Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington Audit and Finance Committee - Wednesday 24 September 2025 1.00 pm

The Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington Audit and Finance Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss the audit completion certificate, a progress report from auditors Mazars, and the revenue and capital outturn for the previous financial year.

Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington - Friday 19 September 2025 10.00 am

The Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington met on 19 September 2025 to discuss correspondence, the statement of assurance, and an update from His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS). The authority approved the 2024-25 Statement of Assurance.