Housing scheme could unlock better bus links

Plans for a new housing development in County Durham could pave the way for improved bus links in the area.

Banks Property has submitted a planning application to Durham County Council for up to 210 homes on a 14-hectare site next to Seaham Garden Village.

The South Seaham development would be located north of the Garden Village roundabout access on the A182, with detailed plans submitted for the first 53 properties.

Following discussions with transport operator Go North East, Banks has included two large bus lay-bys in the proposals that could enable services to cover both the new development and Seaham Garden Village, where no bus services are currently planned.

The scheme would also include 15 per cent affordable housing and deliver a biodiversity net gain of at least ten per cent.

New public open spaces and green corridors would be created, while a mix of property types is planned to meet different local housing needs.

Access would be provided by a new road connecting the development with the Garden Village roundabout.

Kate Culverhouse, community relations manager at the Banks Group, said: “Sustainable transport options are a key consideration for any new housing development and we saw an opportunity here to provide facilities that would benefit the whole of the surrounding area.

“Our South Seaham development will include a range of sustainable, contemporary homes in a great location that is well connected to the surrounding road network and will help to provide more options for people who want to stay in or move to the area.

“This is a high-quality development that is ideally suited for its proposed location and we hope the members of Durham County Council’s planning committee will recognise its many merits when they come to consider it next year.” 

Banks Property expects the proposals to go before Durham County Council’s planning committee by the middle of 2027.

If approved, construction work could begin on the South Seaham site in early 2028.

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