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: 13 March 2026

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Never miss a development near your property. Get free weekly email alerts when new planning applications are submitted in County Durham.

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Planning Application Types in County Durham

Based on 164 applications tracked between 2025-09-01 and 2026-02-04.

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Full

62 applications

38% of all applications

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Conditions

25 applications

15% of all applications

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Tree Works

21 applications

13% of all applications

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Householder

17 applications

10% of all applications

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Change of Use

13 applications

8% of all applications

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Demolition

8 applications

5% of all applications

bar_chart County Durham Planning Statistics

164

Applications tracked

151

Unique locations

Full

Most common type

10

Application categories

Data period: 2025-09-01 to 2026-02-04 · Updated 13 March 2026

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/26/00277/TCA 2026-02-04

T1 - Gleditsia triacanthos Sunburst - Reduce by 2.0 meters, T2 Blue Atlas Cedar - Tame re growth back in to the understory to create a neat shape. - Section 211 notice

The Elms 18 East End Wolsingham Bishop Auckland DL13 3JX

Pending Consideration

DM/26/00269/DRC 2026-02-04

Discharge of condition 4 (HMMP) and statutory BNG condition (Biodiversity Gain Plan) pursuant to planning permission DM/25/02077/FPA

Bowes Museum Newgate Barnard Castle DL12 8NP

Pending Consideration

DM/26/00270/PN56 2026-02-04

Prior Notification under Part 3 Class Q for partial conversion of barn to dwellinghouse including fenestration alterations

Tanfield Grange Farm Tanfield Stanley DH9 9QL

Pending Consideration

DM/26/00278/TCA 2026-02-04

Elm (T2) - 20% overall crown reduction. Elder (T5) - Fell.

Leazes House Leazes Place Durham DH1 1RE

Pending Consideration

DM/26/00268/TPO 2026-02-04

Reduce the overall height of mature Lime tree - the tree main trunk & large branches - TPO/0016/2016

19 The Paddock Witton-le-wear Bishop Auckland DL14 0GA

Pending Consideration

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

Yes! PlanWatch offers free weekly email alerts for planning applications in County Durham. Simply enter your postcode and email address to start receiving notifications whenever new applications are submitted near you.

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

Yes, planning applications near your home in County Durham can significantly impact property values. Large developments, commercial buildings in residential areas, or loss of green space typically reduce nearby property values by 5-15%. Stay informed with PlanWatch alerts to monitor applications that could affect your home's value and object during the consultation period if necessary.