Fly-Tipping Investigation at Land Earmarked for £30m Peterlee Housing Scheme..
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Fresh Blow for Peterlee Regeneration Site, After Tonnes of Waste Dumped at Former Factory Site...
28th July 2026
An investigation has been launched after enormous quantities of suspected industrial waste has been dumped on the site of the former Dewhirst factory site in Peterlee—land said to be connected to wider plans for a major new housing development.
Photographs taken at the site by a member of the public show huge mounds of mixed waste stretching across the disused industrial land, with loose rubbish, plastics and other debris scattered around the surrounding ground.
The scale of the fly tipping has caused concern among local residents living near the site, who are seeking answers about where the material came from, what it contains and whether it could pose a risk to the environment or public health.
Durham County Council has now issued a public notice confirming that the suspected fly-tip is under investigation.
Durham County Council said it was aware of reports that industrial waste had been dumped at the old Dewhirst site and acknowledged the concern the situation had caused within the local community.
Council officers have contacted the landowner and are working alongside the Environment Agency to ensure appropriate investigations are undertaken and any necessary action is taken.
However, because the investigation remains ongoing, the council said it was unable to release any further information at this stage.
Former Factory Site Has Long Been Earmarked for Redevelopment..
The latest incident of fly tipping in the area is particularly concerning because the old Dewhirst land is associated with the wider former North East Industrial Estate, which has been earmarked for substantial housing-led regeneration.
The Dewhirst clothing factory was once one of Peterlee’s largest employers. The former factory buildings were eventually demolished, with identified asbestos removed before the structures were taken down and the land cleared in preparation for proposed future redevelopment.
In July 2024, Durham County Council approved outline proposals for up to 282 new homes across approximately 47 acres of derelict land at the former North East Industrial Estate.
The council-backed scheme is expected to include a mixture of two, three and four-bedroom homes, with around 10 per cent of the properties intended to be affordable housing. Plans also provide for landscaping, public open space and new infrastructure connecting the development with neighbouring residential areas and Peterlee town centre.
The regeneration project has been valued at approximately £30 million pounds, although the land still requires remediation before housing construction can proceed. Homes England funding has already been secured towards the redevelopment costs, while the council has been seeking a developer to take the scheme forward.
The intention was for development to begin in the north-western section of the site before progressing through four phases around the wider area. The land has previously suffered from repeated fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour, with councillors describing it as a longstanding blight on the community.
Could Fly Tipping Affect the Housing Plans?
It is not yet clear whether the area affected by the latest dumping falls entirely within the final boundary intended for housing development.
Nevertheless, the appearance of such a large quantity of unidentified waste on land already requiring remediation works raises important questions about site security, clean-up costs and whether further environmental assessments will be required before development can begin.
Anyone who witnessed vehicles entering or leaving the old Dewhirst site, or who has information about the origin of the waste, are being encouraged to contact Durham County Council.
Environmental concerns can be reported to the council’s neighbourhood warden service through its website or by calling 03000 260000.
