Developer Story Homes has been chosen to develop the 31 acre site by the site owner, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). Plans include a wide range of homes, from two-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom houses.
The proposed development at Shotley Bridge is planned to include 2 two bedroom apartments, 66 two bedroom houses, 59 three bedroom houses, 94 four bedroom houses and nine five bedroom houses, the developer said.
“It is great to see this scheme start on site to provide much needed housing for Derwentside," said Gill Hay, area manager at the HCA, which is handling the disposal and development of the site. "The high levels of affordable homes will mean that local people will be able to live in the house they want and still stay in the community."
The proposed development would include 60 affordable homes. It is planned that 30 homes would be made available for affordable rent and the other 30 would be discounted to help local people own their first home.
"This is an exciting time for Consett and the surrounding area, with a number of key developments taking off and I am delighted to see this one moving forward," said councillor Clive Robson, Durham County Council's cabinet minister for housing. "I am particularly pleased to welcome the additional number of affordable homes which will make a significant contribution towards the council’s overall target for the county."
It is estimated that the development will help to create 75 new jobs and create fresh work for suppliers and service providers. It is expected that the first phase of properties will be released for sale in May 2012.
