Bill Edgar

Construction on the second phase of Darlington’s walking and cycling scheme is due to begin at Dene Grove after delays. The work will extend the Woodland Road route to Deneside Road, add priority crossings, and form part of a planned continuous link between West Park, Faverdale and the town centre. Temporary traffic lights, junction closures and pavement diversions will be introduced in phases, with completion expected in 2027. The scheme was delayed after the council failed to secure Levelling Up Fund support in 2023 and a further planned start in 2025 was postponed.

The Planning Inspectorate has overturned Durham County Council’s rejection of a 58-hectare solar farm near Craghead after an appeal by developer Ampyr Solar Europe. The inspector acknowledged moderate harm to the countryside and limited harm to recreational use, along with some increased industrialisation of the landscape, but concluded these impacts did not justify refusal. Local equestrian business owners opposed the scheme over concerns about glare, horse welfare and reduced use of grazing land. The development is expected to generate enough renewable electricity to power more than 12,800 homes.

The Planning Inspectorate overturned Durham County Council’s rejection of a 63-hectare solar farm and battery storage project at Haswell Plough after an appeal by Hare Hill Solar Ltd. Although it accepted the development would cause moderate harm to the area’s character and appearance, it concluded that the renewable-energy benefits outweighed those impacts, with new trees and hedgerows expected to reduce the visual effect over time. Opponents, including resident Janice Ferguson and Easington MP Grahame Morris, raised concerns about landscape damage, construction disruption, residents’ amenity and noise. The scheme is expected to generate enough electricity for about 17,600 homes annually.

Kynren’s operators have submitted plans to expand the Bishop Auckland site into a year‑round destination through a new attraction, Binchester Earth, adjacent to the Roman fort in County Durham. The wider proposal includes three new historically themed performance venues and significant transport upgrades, including a new access road from the A688, additional parking, a footbridge, and improved junctions to ease congestion. Durham County Council will review the development plans.

Council leaders rejected residents’ calls to extend speed limits and restrict heavy goods vehicles on Newgate in Barnard Castle after assessments found no evidence to justify changes. Labour councillor Chris Foote-Wood highlighted noise, vibration and risks to the historic Market Cross, while Reform UK cabinet member Tim McGuinness said restrictions would affect the wider road network. Council officers reviewed traffic data, collision history and local conditions and concluded that existing limits were appropriate. McGuinness agreed to meet Foote-Wood despite stating further public meetings would not alter the outcome.

Durham County Council supported a motion calling for broader eligibility for the Holiday Activities and Food Programme, arguing that many low‑income working families fall just above the threshold for benefits‑related free school meals. Councillor Cathy Hunt said current rules exclude children in genuine hardship, while Liberal Democrat councillor Alex Neil criticised the Reform-led administration for inconsistency over council tax relief decisions. The council will write to the education secretary requesting a review of eligibility criteria and collaboration with local authorities on a system based on overall household finances, with local MPs asked to support the effort.

Durham County Council plans to sell the Newgate Shopping Centre in Bishop Auckland four years after purchasing it for £3.31 million as part of a regeneration effort. Tenants have been informed that the authority intends to formally market the site and will seek an investor experienced in operating shopping centres. The council says normal operations will continue during the sale process, with Savills appointed to handle marketing.

Darlington Borough Council launched a 10‑week consultation to gather public input on the future of the town centre in response to changing retail habits, the impact of online shopping and post-pandemic trends. Councillor Chris McEwan said the strategy update aims to support economic growth and ongoing regeneration projects, including investment exceeding £230m and developments such as the Hippodrome restoration, library redevelopment and improvements to Darlington railway station.

Durham County Council rejected Elements Green Renewables' proposal for a large solar farm on green belt land in Seaham, citing harm to the landscape and openness of the area despite 79 letters of support for its clean‑energy benefits. Residents and local groups raised concerns about loss of agricultural land, wildlife impact and the visual effect on nearby homes. Sixteen objections, including from local councillors and environmental groups, contrasted with the developer’s argument that the project was temporary, reversible and lacked viable alternative sites. The decision followed a delayed determination that prompted the developer to lodge an appeal, which awaits confirmation from the Planning Inspectorate.

Durham County Council approved stricter planning rules limiting new houses of multiple occupation, including automatic refusal if nearby HMO density thresholds are exceeded. Council leader Andrew Husband warned developers the area may not suit further HMO investment, while councillor Dawn Bellingham said the measures address resident concerns. The rules restrict clustering of HMOs and cap their proportion within a defined radius, building on previous requirements for planning permission.