Plans have been submitted that could see more than 100 new affordable homes built in a County Durham village.
Karbon Homes has revealed proposals to build 107 new houses on the site of the former Roseberry Sports Community College in Pelton, to the north of Chester-le-Street.
The plans consist of 68 rent-to-buy properties as well as 31 apartments for over 50s and eight bungalows.
Read more: Go here for more County Durham news and updates from County Durham Live
The rent-to-buy properties planned as part of the regeneration project will all come with their own private amenity space to the rear.
The multi-million pound scheme comes as the Government continues to push for the delivery of new properties to meet the chronic housing shortage and arrest the decline in the affordability of home ownership.
There is a desire to relieve the pressure on the social rented sector, which has prompted the growth in private renting.
Renting from a housing association is significantly cheaper than renting from private landlords - social rent is set at around 50 per cent of local market rent, while affordable rent is around 80 per cent.
Lea Smith, development manager at Karbon Homes, said: “We know there is a need for more affordable housing in the area and we’ve designed a development that meets the needs of the local community, with a mix of property types and sizes to provide options for residents at varying stages of life.
“This includes apartments for over 55s and bungalows for rent, to help combat the shortage of accessible homes for older residents in the area, alongside family homes, available through affordable tenures to help those who might otherwise struggle to get onto the property ladder.”
If approved by Durham County Council this spring, onsite building work is expected to get underway in autumn, with the first phase of properties expected to be available to the public in spring 2023.
Karbon Homes say the development could create an estimated 125 construction and supply chain jobs.
The planning application is being handled by North East company Hedley Planning Services, based in Hexham, Northumberland.
Director Joe Ridgeon said: “The proposed development would provide the clear benefit of creating new affordable housing for local people and creating a strong sense of community.
“As planners, we want to see the creation of exciting and rewarding housing schemes in the north east region that leave a long-lasting legacy. This one will undoubtedly see a real positive change in this part of County Durham and should be welcomed.”
The full application can be viewed on Durham County Council's planning portal, where comments and objections can also be submitted.
For the latest County Durham news direct to your inbox every day, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
