HUNDREDS of new homes could be built in an east Durham town under plans to boost the its economy, attract investment and spark regeneration.

Durham County Council is working with the Homes and Communities Agency to promote development opportunities at three sites to the north west of Seaham town centre.

It is believed that a combined total of up to 450 properties could be built at the former Seaham Colliery site in Station Road; Malvern Crescent and land to the north of Portland Avenue and the current Seaham School of Technology site, at Burnhall Drive.

All three sites are allocated for housing development in the pre-submission draft of the County Durham Local Plan.

Details of the sites and proposals for their development are contained in a masterplan document that members of Durham County Council’s cabinet will be asked to approve when they meet next week.

Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “This new document details how the land we are looking at will be released for development in order to achieve the best price and also the best possible results for Seaham and its future prosperity.

“It’s not just about building new homes.

“These proposals could have considerable knock-on effects such as improving the local highway network, foot and cycle paths to service future developments, more open spaces and, through a variety of housing provision, the creation of more mixed communities.”

Cabinet will meet at Spennymoor Council Offices on Wednesday, at 9.30am on February 12.