Latest news with #LyndseyFox
BBC News
22-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Durham County Council approves HMO rules
New planning rules which make it tougher for landlords to convert properties into shared housing have been Durham County Council has supported a proposal to introduce an Article 4 Direction, which requires owners to apply for planning permission when converting properties into Homes in Multiple Occupation (HMO).Currently, properties for between three and six occupants can be converted without planning permission. Campaigners said they were "absolutely thrilled" and added the changes would help to improve people's quality of life, following an increase in HMOs in certain areas. "This is going to be huge for the community, because people will now be able to know if the house next door is HMO, because they'll be notified," said Matthew Tough, the secretary of East Durham Communities Standing Together group, which has been calling for more regulations."They'll get a chance to object. If there's any parking concerns in the street, they'll be noted and recorded."Councillor Lyndsey Fox, cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said there had been a "steady increase" in HMOs outside of Durham City over the past few years, with the number rising more significantly since 2021."Residents have expressed concerns that the increase in HMOs is negatively impacting residential amenity and local character," Fox said. "In these circumstances, it is considered an Article 4 is needed to enable the proper planning of the county to maintain mixed and balanced communities by requiring planning applications to be submitted for HMO use." 'A lot safer' Article 4 regulations are currently in place in areas around Durham City popular with students, the Local Democracy Reporting Service East Durham Communities Standing Together group had warned an expansion of the rules was needed, as some of the county's most deprived areas were being targeted by private Tough added the county council would now be able to scrutinise proposed designs and call applications to committee so it could be debated."They can ensure that it's going to be safe for all parties involved - the tenants, the community. It'll just be a lot safer for everybody involved," he Nicola Lyons, cabinet member for neighbourhoods and environment, added that HMOs could provide an affordable form of accommodation for a wide range of groups."However, an overconcentration of this type of housing can have a negative impact on day-to-day life for communities, often because of issues such as increased noise, the general appearance of properties, refuse management, and parking issues," she new measures were approved at a cabinet meeting on Monday. A public consultation will be held before a final decision is made later this year. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Durham County Council set to vote on tougher HMO rules
Council leaders hope new measures to control the number of shared homes will help balance communities across a rules are set to be introduced by Durham County Council to combat the rapid increase in homes in multiple occupation (HMO).Councillors will vote on plans to force all HMOs, regardless of size, to go through the full planning process under Article 4 regulations on 21 properties for between three and six residents can be converted without receiving planning permission. Concerned residents previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the increase in HMOs had negatively impacted their Lyndsey Fox, cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "During the past few years, we have seen a steady increase in HMOs, with the number rising more significantly since 2021."An overconcentration of this type of household can have a negative impact on day-to-day life for communities, often because of issues such as increased noise, the general appearance of properties, refuse management and parking issues."She also highlighted the longer term impacts of the loss of family housing and the impact on community cohesion. Concerns from residents Article 4 regulations are currently in place in areas around Durham popular with students. Now, members of Durham County Council's cabinet will consider undertaking a consultation on the introduction of a countywide in Darlington recently approved a similar said the council already use a range of powers to crackdown on HMO-related issues, such as planning and licensing enforcement and environmental health notices. But the council was still hearing concerns from residents about the impact such properties were having in the region, she said."Implementing the Article 4 Direction across the county will avoid concentrations of HMOs in alternative locations to where we are seeing issues now," she said. Follow BBC North East on X and Facebook and BBC Cumbria on X and Facebook and both on Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
History hub has 'key role in present and future'
More than 120,000 people have visited a history centre in its first year of operation. The Story, in the restored Grade II listed Mount Oswald Manor House on the outskirts of Durham city, houses the county's archives going back nine centuries. The hub has a permanent, interactive exhibition space telling the story of the county and its people as well as being a venue for weddings and civil partnerships. Councillor Lyndsey Fox, cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "The Story may be the gateway to County Durham's past, but the last year has demonstrated its important role in our present and future too." The oldest document in the collection dates from 1122 and is a deed of land transfer from the Bishop of Durham. The centre also houses 15,000 objects from the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) following the closure of a dedicated museum in 2016. The collection includes the medals awarded to four brothers, thought to be one of the most-decorated families of World War One. Since 14 June last year, more than 2,000 births have been registered at the facility with more than 2,100 notices of marriage or civil partnership granted. Fox added: "I'm delighted The Story has enjoyed such a successful year and I would like to thank the staff and volunteers for their hard work. "I know the team has some amazing plans in store for future so this really is just the start. "It's state-of-the-art facilities and exhibitions are empowering people to discover more about their personal histories and connect with our region's heritage in new and exciting ways." Mount Oswald was built in the early 19th Century and was most recently used as a golf club before planning permission for The Story was granted in 2020. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. WW1 hero's medals reunited with family archive History hub with records spanning 900 years opens Service commemorates museum closure The Story
BBC News
14-06-2025
- General
- BBC News
Durham history hub The Story welcomes more than 120,000 people
More than 120,000 people have visited a history centre in its first year of Story, in the restored Grade II listed Mount Oswald Manor House on the outskirts of Durham city, houses the county's archives going back nine hub has a permanent, interactive exhibition space telling the story of the county and its people as well as being a venue for weddings and civil Lyndsey Fox, cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "The Story may be the gateway to County Durham's past, but the last year has demonstrated its important role in our present and future too." The oldest document in the collection dates from 1122 and is a deed of land transfer from the Bishop of Durham. 'Just the start' The centre also houses 15,000 objects from the Durham Light Infantry (DLI) following the closure of a dedicated museum in collection includes the medals awarded to four brothers, thought to be one of the most-decorated families of World War 14 June last year, more than 2,000 births have been registered at the facility with more than 2,100 notices of marriage or civil partnership added: "I'm delighted The Story has enjoyed such a successful year and I would like to thank the staff and volunteers for their hard work."I know the team has some amazing plans in store for future so this really is just the start."It's state-of-the-art facilities and exhibitions are empowering people to discover more about their personal histories and connect with our region's heritage in new and exciting ways."Mount Oswald was built in the early 19th Century and was most recently used as a golf club before planning permission for The Story was granted in 2020. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lumiere 2025: Volunteers needed as festival returns to Durham City
Volunteer recruitment is now open for the return of Lumiere to Durham. Durham County Council has launched its call for volunteers to help bring Lumiere to life in 2025, as part of a series of events celebrating Volunteers' Week and the vital role volunteers play in supporting culture and community across the region. Lumiere, the UK's light art biennial, will take place from Thursday, November 13 to Saturday, November 15. Celebrating Volunteers Week at Locomotion in Shildon (Image: DCC) Volunteers are needed to help welcome visitors and support the smooth running of the festival, with a minimum commitment of one four-hour shift during the event. Councillor Lyndsey Fox, cabinet member for economy and partnerships at Durham County Council, said: "Across the county, thousands of volunteers give up their time on a regular basis to help run cultural events and activities and work on projects which support the environment, as well as welcoming visitors to the county at our festivals and events. "We are using Volunteers' Week to say thank you for the hours of time and effort our volunteers have given. Celebrating Volunteers' Week with a walk (Image: DCC) "They help us run some fantastic cultural events that enhance community wellbeing, as well as attracting visitors to the county and supporting the economy." Volunteers' Week, which runs from June 2 to June 8, has featured a programme of celebration events across County Durham, including walking and running events, a picnic, a buffet, and a gathering at Locomotion in Shildon. Lynne Heasman, a long-time Lumiere volunteer, described her experiences as deeply rewarding. Celebrating Volunteers' Week (Image: DCC) Ms Heasman said: "It's a privilege to be involved in such an exciting and popular arts event and volunteering gets you involved right into the heart of it. "I have even had my image projected onto the cathedral as part of an installation. "I have always felt proud to set out on a shift in our beautiful city with other volunteers, many of whom return for every Lumiere. "I've enjoyed assisting people to get the most out of the light installations and it's really satisfying to know I've contributed to someone's enjoyment. "I have met so many interesting people from artists to visitors to all those involved in running such an incredible event and enjoyed every question and conversation. "Being involved with Lumiere I feel valued and appreciated, especially by the Volunteer Durham team who take the utmost care of us and ensure that we enjoy the festival as much as the visitors – probably even more so. "Volunteering at Lumiere is a lot of fun, very rewarding and I can't think of a better way to experience the festival." The Lumiere Volunteer scheme is sponsored by MGL Group. Gillian Reader, director of MGL Group, said: "MGL Group is delighted to sponsor the Lumiere Volunteers scheme, which provides a meaningful and exciting way for anyone to be a part of this iconic event. "As a family business deeply rooted in Durham, MGL Group is proud to continue our support of Lumiere. "We believe in fostering a vibrant community, and sponsoring this event goes beyond celebrating art and culture. Read more: County Durham shops warned of £200 fines if found selling disposable vapes after ban Fresh off the block, market place chippy latest in Echo's top ten Demolition plans lodged for County Durham primary school's swimming pool "It supports our region's vitality and drives positive economic impact. "We're honoured to be part of something that brings joy to residents and visitors." Lumiere is created and produced by Artichoke, commissioned by Durham County Council, and supported by Arts Council England. For more information about how to apply to volunteer at Lumiere, as well as explore other volunteering opportunities in the county, visit
