Gainford approves six homes; Penrith plans 11

Durham County Council has granted permission in principle for up to six additional homes on undeveloped land beside the former St Peter’s School site in Gainford, expanding a scheme already approved for 48 homes. Planners acknowledged potential harm to the landscape but said the benefits outweighed it, citing the council’s lack of a demonstrable five-year housing land supply; detailed plans still require approval. Separately, plans submitted to Westmorland and Furness Council propose 11 large detached homes on land off Carleton Road in Penrith, replacing an existing house and outbuilding, with access, parking and shared landscaping included.