Coming Soon North East · England

Planning Applications in
Durham County

Durham County is part of the North East region. Search any postcode in Durham County 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 Durham County Planning Applications

Search any Durham County 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.

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What Planning Applications Can You Find in Durham County?

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Residential Extensions

Rear extensions, side extensions, loft conversions, and garage conversions in Durham County.

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New Builds & Developments

New housing developments, apartment blocks, and commercial buildings proposed in Durham County.

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Change of Use

Applications to change building use — shops to flats, offices to restaurants, and more in Durham County.

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Listed Buildings & Conservation

Works to listed buildings and developments in Durham County's conservation areas.

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Demolition Notices

Prior approval applications for demolition of buildings in Durham County.

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Trees & Landscaping

Tree preservation orders, tree works applications, and landscaping schemes in Durham County.

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Official Planning Portal

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

Visit Durham County planning portal →

Objecting to a Planning Application in Durham County

Durham County 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 Durham County's planning officers will expect you to evidence for each.

gavel Overlooking and loss of privacy gavel Loss of light or overshadowing gavel Noise and disturbance gavel Traffic and parking gavel Overbearing impact and scale gavel Character of the area gavel Drainage and flooding gavel Loss of trees

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

Frequently Asked Questions — Durham County Planning

How do I check planning applications in Durham County? expand_more
Enter your postcode on PlanWatch to instantly see all recent planning applications in Durham County. 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 Durham County? expand_more
To object to a planning application in Durham County, you need to submit your comments during the public consultation period (usually 21 days). Visit the Durham County 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 Durham County? expand_more
Most planning applications in Durham County 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 Durham County? expand_more
You can search and save a postcode for Durham County in PlanWatch. Paid PlanWatch plans add instant email alerts for new applications near a monitored postcode.
What planning applications don't need permission in Durham County? expand_more
Some developments in Durham County 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 Durham County council before starting work.
Can planning applications affect my property value in Durham County? expand_more
Planning applications near your home in Durham County 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 Durham County postcode to your free PlanWatch account

Free accounts save one postcode in Durham County 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.

County Durham
Coming soon
Darlington
Coming soon
Gateshead Metropolitan
Coming soon
Hartlepool
✅ Live data
Middlesbrough
✅ Live data
Newcastle
✅ Live data
Newcastle
✅ Live data
North Tyneside
Coming soon
View all 418 councils →

Planning Guides for Durham County Residents

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How to Object to a Planning Application
Your rights as a neighbour
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Permitted Development Rights Explained
What you can build without permission
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Planning Permission Process
Complete guide from application to decision
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Conservation Areas & Planning
Extra restrictions and protections
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Party Wall Act Explained
Building near a shared boundary
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Planning Enforcement
When rules are broken
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How to Appeal a Planning Decision
Your options after a refusal
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Planning Permission Costs
2025 fee schedule and what to expect
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How Long Does Permission Take?
Timescales from application to decision
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Material Planning Considerations
What councils must and can't consider
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Can Permission Be Refused?
Common reasons and what to do next
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Retrospective Planning Permission
Applying after building without consent
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How to View Planning Applications Near You
Search by postcode & read the decision
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Planning Alerts
Paid instant monitoring for saved postcodes

Do I Need Planning Permission For...?

🏠 Conservatory 🏘️ Extension 🏡 Loft Conversion 💼 Garden Office 🚗 Garage 🏚️ Shed 🪵 Fence 🚪 Porch 🅿️ Driveway 🛣️ Dropped Kerb 🪵 Decking ☀️ Solar Panels ♨️ Heat Pump 🔌 EV Charger 🏗️ Carport 🧱 Cladding

Specialist Topics

🔄 Change of Use 🏛️ Listed Buildings 🏢 Flats & HMOs 🌳 Trees & TPOs 🏕️ Mobile Homes & Caravans 📋 Section 106 Agreements

Common Planning Situations

🏗️ Building Too Close to Boundary ☀️ Extension Blocking My Light 🛑 Can I Stop a Planning Application? 🏘️ New Housing Development Near Me 🏢 Commercial in Residential Area ⚠️ Built Without Permission 📡 Phone Mast Near Me 🏡 Garden Room & Outbuilding 🔄 Pub/Shop Converting to Flats ✋ How to Stop a Planning Application 🔨 Neighbour Building Extension

Data Sources

For local trades

The biggest jobs in Durham County 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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