Coming Soon North East · England

Planning Applications in
County Durham

County Durham has a population of approximately 533100 and is part of the North East region. Search any postcode in County Durham to see recent planning applications near you — including extensions, new builds, demolitions, and change of use applications.

update Last updated: 2 September 2026
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Search County Durham Planning Applications

Search any County Durham postcode above, then save it to a free PlanWatch account so it is ready next time. Paid plans add instant email alerts for new applications near a saved postcode.

Planning Application Types in County Durham

Based on 1779 applications tracked between 2024-09-23 and 2026-09-01.

home

Full

675 applications

38% of all applications

home_work

Householder

306 applications

17% of all applications

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Conditions

232 applications

13% of all applications

nature

Tree Works

169 applications

9% of all applications

storefront

Change of Use

107 applications

6% of all applications

edit

Non-Material Amendment

69 applications

4% of all applications

bar_chart County Durham Planning Statistics

1779
Applications tracked
1262
Unique locations
Full
Most common type
10
Application categories

Data period: 2024-09-23 to 2026-09-01 · Updated 2 September 2026

verified PlanWatch local data

What PlanWatch Is Tracking in County Durham

PlanWatch currently holds 1,779 County Durham planning records across 1,262 unique postcode locations, with tracked application dates from 2024-09-23 to 2026-09-01. The most common categories in this dataset are Full (675), Householder (306), Conditions (232).

Use this page to start with a postcode search, then open the official council record for the decision notice, drawings, consultation deadline and any later conditions. That matters because a short application description rarely shows the details neighbours and buyers care about: side windows, roof forms, access, drainage, tree works, opening hours or amended plans.

Planning Battles in County Durham

Notable planning controversies and disputes that have shaped development in the County Durham area.

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Sniperley Park (Pity Me) - 2,292 Homes

2024

Housing Minister overruled council and granted permission for 2,292 homes on greenfield; council had refused citing landscape harm

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Why this matters: Central government intervention in local decision; pattern of recovered appeals to meet national targets

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Burnhope Solar Farm Judicial Review

2024

High Court quashed 49.9MW solar farm permission; council failed to assess agricultural land quality properly

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Why this matters: Renewable energy vs farmland protection; precedent for solar farm assessments

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Seaton 75-Home Appeal Dismissal

2024

Planning inspector dismissed appeal for 75 homes in coastal Seaton; deemed 'unduly harmful' intrusion

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Why this matters: Rare victory for local opposition; shows inspector weighing character concerns

Major Developments to Watch in County Durham

Large-scale projects and developments that are shaping the future of County Durham.

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info What Makes Planning in County Durham Different

  • arrow_right 14 recovered appeals in 2024 nationally; Durham County Council lost key decisions to ministers

Need ~1,000 homes/year; County Durham Plan 2020 allocated ~4,000 homes on green belt historically

Key Areas in County Durham

Durham City Pity Me Sniperley Seaton Burnhope Sherburn House

Large county with green belt tensions; major solar farm controversies; government recovered appeals

Recent Planning Applications in County Durham

Latest applications submitted to County Durham council.

DM/26/02291/FPA 2026-09-01

Installation of a wall-mounted electric vehicle charging point to the front elevation of the property

2 Whitwell Terrace Crook DL15 9NQ

Pending Consideration
DM/26/02297/TCA 2026-09-01

Felling and removal of 7no Leylandii All tree works will be carried out by a qualified and insured arboricultural contractor. Stumps will be ground down to below ground level. All arisings will be removed from site and responsibly disposed of. The boundary will be retained with a low stone wall, matching the existing wall to the left and respecting the character of the conservation area. The works will not affect any protected trees or features, where applicable. The surrounding trees and vegetation will be protected throughout the works. Justification Removing the Leylandii will significantly enhance the character and appearance of the garden and the wider conservation area. It will open up the space, allow for better light, and restore a more appropriate balance with the mature trees and natural surroundings.

Land To The South Of 7 Leazes Place Durham DH1 1RE

Pending Consideration
DM/26/02268/VOC 2026-08-28

Variation of Condition 2 (Approved plans) pursuant to planning permission DM/25/03329/FPA for the replacement of hip roof to rear extension to flat roof with lantern

4 Orchard Gardens Chester-le-street Chester-le-Street DH3 3JY

Pending Consideration
DM/26/02278/FPA 2026-08-28

Single storey rear extension.

43 Barley Mill Road Bridgehill Consett DH8 8JS

Pending Consideration
DM/26/02262/TCA 2026-08-27

Removal / pruning back to property boundary (timber fence line) of one tree - Section 211 notice

Land To The North Of 43 North Green Staindrop DL2 3JP

Pending Consideration
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Official Planning Portal

View and search planning applications directly on the County Durham council website.

Visit County Durham planning portal →

Objecting to a Planning Application in County Durham

County Durham Council can only weigh objections that raise a material planning consideration. Personal disputes, loss of a view and property value are not material and are set aside. These are the grounds that do count, with what County Durham's planning officers will expect you to evidence for each.

Then write the objection letter, or check what counts as a material consideration before you start. Objections normally have to reach County Durham Council inside the 21-day consultation window.

Frequently Asked Questions — County Durham Planning

How do I check planning applications in County Durham? expand_more
Enter your postcode on PlanWatch to instantly see all recent planning applications in County Durham. We show applications within a 1-mile radius, including extensions, new builds, and change of use applications.
How do I object to a planning application in County Durham? expand_more
To object to a planning application in County Durham, you need to submit your comments during the public consultation period (usually 21 days). Visit the County Durham council planning portal or write to their planning department. Your objection must be based on material planning considerations such as impact on privacy, traffic, or character of the area.
How long does planning permission take in County Durham? expand_more
Most planning applications in County Durham are decided within 8 weeks for minor applications and 13 weeks for major developments. However, complex applications or those requiring committee decisions can take longer. You can track the status of any application on PlanWatch.
Can I get alerts for new planning applications in County Durham? expand_more
You can search and save a postcode for County Durham in PlanWatch. Paid PlanWatch plans add instant email alerts for new applications near a monitored postcode.
What planning applications don't need permission in County Durham? expand_more
Some developments in County Durham fall under "permitted development rights" and don't need planning permission. This includes certain small extensions, loft conversions, outbuildings, and changes of use. However, if you're in a conservation area, listed building, or AONB, additional restrictions may apply. Always check with County Durham council before starting work.
Can planning applications affect my property value in County Durham? expand_more
Planning applications near your home in County Durham may affect how you use or assess a property. PlanWatch helps you find the application and link to the official council record; check the drawings, consultation dates and planning decision before making any property decision.
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Save a County Durham postcode to your free PlanWatch account

Free accounts save one postcode in County Durham so it is ready whenever you want to check what has been applied for nearby. Paid plans add instant email alerts for new applications near a saved postcode.

Free: search plus one saved postcode. We never sell your details, and you can remove your postcode at any time.

Read the planning guides →

Nearby Councils in North East

Explore planning applications in other North East councils.

Planning Guides for County Durham Residents

Do I Need Planning Permission For...?

Specialist Topics

Common Planning Situations

Data Sources

For local trades

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