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.
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.
Full
38% of all applications
Householder
17% of all applications
Conditions
13% of all applications
Tree Works
9% of all applications
Change of Use
6% of all applications
Non-Material Amendment
4% of all applications
County Durham Planning Statistics
Data period: 2024-09-23 to 2026-09-01 · Updated 2 September 2026
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.
Sniperley Park (Pity Me) - 2,292 Homes
2024Housing Minister overruled council and granted permission for 2,292 homes on greenfield; council had refused citing landscape harm
Why this matters: Central government intervention in local decision; pattern of recovered appeals to meet national targets
Burnhope Solar Farm Judicial Review
2024High Court quashed 49.9MW solar farm permission; council failed to assess agricultural land quality properly
Why this matters: Renewable energy vs farmland protection; precedent for solar farm assessments
Seaton 75-Home Appeal Dismissal
2024Planning inspector dismissed appeal for 75 homes in coastal Seaton; deemed 'unduly harmful' intrusion
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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What Makes Planning in County Durham Different
- 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
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.
Installation of a wall-mounted electric vehicle charging point to the front elevation of the property
2 Whitwell Terrace Crook DL15 9NQ
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
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
Single storey rear extension.
43 Barley Mill Road Bridgehill Consett DH8 8JS
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
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?
How do I object to a planning application in County Durham?
How long does planning permission take in County Durham?
Can I get alerts for new planning applications in County Durham?
What planning applications don't need permission in County Durham?
Can planning applications affect my property value in County Durham?
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
- Planning application data: planning.data.gov.uk
- County Durham council planning portal — publicaccess.durham.gov.uk
- Planning Inspectorate (PINS) appeal decisions
- Data last refreshed: 2 September 2026
For local trades
The biggest jobs in County Durham are announced weeks before anyone is hired
A conservatory, an extension, a re-roof — it starts life on this page as a planning application, weeks before the homeowner picks a firm. PlanWatch reads every application and turns them into a monthly, addressed lead list for exactly one firm per trade per area.
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