Councillor Scott Woodhouse

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 - 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.

Highways Committee - Tuesday 16 September 2025 9.30 am

The Highways Committee met to discuss proposed traffic calming measures and parking restrictions in several areas. Councillors endorsed proposals for traffic calming in Kelloe and new parking restrictions in Blackhall, Blackhill and Shotley Bridge, Chester-le-Street and Birtley, and Coxhoe, all of which will now proceed for a final decision by the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Environment. The committee also approved a Definitive Map Modification Order related to public footpaths near Esh.

Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington Performance Committee - Monday 15 September 2025 10.00 am

The Combined Fire Authority for County Durham and Darlington Performance Committee met to review performance reports for Quarter Four of 2024/25 and Quarter One of 2025/26, and to note letters of appreciation received by the service. Councillors reviewed performance against set targets, comparing it with the previous year's figures, and identified areas needing improvement. The committee also noted the letters of appreciation.