WORK is underway to create a new housing development on the former Consett Magistrates’ Court site.

The £3million scheme by believe housing will see 18 properties built on land off Ashdale Road, in Consett.

The building was demolished in 2018, two years after it stopped by used for court hearings.

It is the County Durham-based housing association’s first site in the town, and was welcomed by North West Durham MP Richard Holden when he visited the site last week.

Richard Holden MP said: “It is a fantastic local development on a brownfield site, providing accommodation for young families looking to get their first step on the housing ladder.

“This is exactly the sort of small-scale development that I’m delighted to see in the town and I hope to see more of this sort of development, to fulfil the needs of local people in the coming years.”

The Northern Echo: Consett Magistrates' Court. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO Consett Magistrates' Court. Picture: NORTHERN ECHO

Newton Aycliffe-based builder Carlton, which has previously delivered schemes in Chilton and Stockton for believe housing, is constructing the new properties.

There will be a mix of five two-bed houses for affordable rent and 13 three-bed homes for Rent to Buy, the Government-backed scheme designed to make it easier for people to move from renting to buying their own home.

Carlton has worked closely with nearby Consett Academy to minimise disruption, particularly during exams, and to offer work experience to pupils who are interested in a career in construction.

The housing association acquired the land from Homes England in late 2021 and secured £810,000 of grant funding, under the Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26, to support the costs of construction.

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Bill Fullen, chief executive of believe housing, said: “This development is about meeting people’s housing needs and aspirations.

“It will not only create affordable social housing in an area with high demand, but also high-quality homes that people want to live in and can work towards owning.

“We are committed to delivering a variety of affordable housing across the region.

“We’ve already delivered more than 600 new affordable homes in communities stretching from Rookhope, in Weardale, to Seaham, on the Durham Coast, and by 2026 will have delivered a further 1,250.”

Preparatory work began on the site in January and building is expected to take around 14 months to complete, with the first occupants expected to move in next spring.

Simon Walker, managing director at Carlton, said: “This project marks a significant step in the continued growth of Carlton and in the partnership between ourselves and believe housing.

"Our construction team are delighted to be helping to meet the demand for high-quality affordable social housing across the North East.”

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