Plans approved for Durham housing schemes

Plans for more than 100 affordable homes across two County Durham sites have been approved.

Durham County Council’s planning committee unanimously approved plans for housing association believe housing to deliver 90 affordable homes on a brownfield site at Sawmills Lane in Brandon, as well as a further 22 homes at Farnham Road in Newton Hall.

The Brandon scheme, worth more than £20 million, will regenerate the site of a former housing estate that was demolished in 2022.

It will comprise 80 houses and ten bungalows for social rent, shared ownership and Rent to Buy, alongside new roads, landscaping and improved green spaces.

The development will also include energy-efficient features such as air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points and solar panels where appropriate, together with upgraded bus stops and improved walking routes.

Kate Abson, director of assets and development at believe housing, said: “This approval marks an important milestone in our long-term commitment to Brandon.

“We’ve worked closely with residents, partners and stakeholders throughout that journey to help shape proposals that help to meet local housing needs and support Brandon’s future.

"The new homes will be high quality and energy efficient, affordable to run and designed to meet a range of needs and aspirations, from people who need an accessible home to growing families. 

“Alongside new green spaces and better connections across the area, the development will help create a healthy, sustainable neighbourhood for existing and future residents.

“We’re excited to bring these plans to life and continue our investment in the area.”

Meanwhile at Newton Hall, the approved plans include a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes, new landscaping, tree planting and dedicated off-street and visitor parking.

Tom Winter, assistant director of development at believe housing, added: “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“We’re keen to replace outdated homes with modern, energy-efficient ones that will help meet the pressing need for affordable housing in County Durham.”

Both schemes were supported by North East planning consultancy Hedley Planning and form part of wider efforts to increase affordable housing across the region.

Alex Franklin, associate director at Hedley Planning, added: “These developments will deliver homes to meet local needs when there is a chronic need for affordable housing right across the North East. 

“believe housing’s 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.”

Construction at Brandon could begin before the end of the 2026/27 financial year, subject to Homes England funding being secured.

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