Durham affordable housing schemes secure planning approval
Believe housing has received consent for 90-homes on the former housing estate at Sawmills Lane, Brandon, alongside approval for a separate 22-home development at Farnham Road in Newton Hall.
Supported by planning consultancy Hedley Planning, the larger Brandon scheme will regenerate a brownfield site where 121 homes were demolished in 2022.
The development will comprise a mix of affordable houses and bungalows, supported by new roads, landscaping, and improvements to local transport infrastructure.
As part of the approved plans, the development will upgrade an existing southbound bus stop and deliver a new northbound stop, while providing residents with walking and cycling links to nearby services and amenities.
The second scheme, approved unanimously by Durham County Council’s planning committee, will deliver 22 two-, three-, and four-bedroom affordable homes at Farnham Road, Newton Hall.
The development also includes landscaping, new tree planting and parking provision, with two dedicated off-street spaces for each home.
The approvals come as the Government continues to prioritise housing delivery, with renewed focus on increasing residential development to address housing shortages and improve affordability across the UK.
Alex Franklin, associate director at Hedley Planning, said: “These developments will deliver homes to meet local needs when there is a chronic need for affordable housing right across the North East.
“Believe homes’ plans have been designed to meet the needs of local communities, with a mix of property types and sizes, providing a much-needed leg up for those people struggling to secure their first home, or who are looking for the next step on the housing ladder.”
Tom Winter, assistant director of development at believe housing, one of the region’s largest housing associations, said: “Both developments are in a great location, close to nearby towns and local amenities.
“We’re keen to replace outdated homes with modern, energy-efficient ones that will help meet the pressing need for affordable housing in County Durham.”
