Plans to bring hundreds of properties to County Durham have taken a major step forward after two housebuilders have agreed to take on the project – paving the way for large-scale development in the heart of the region.
Proposals for a new high-quality residential development to the east of Durham City have been carried forward after the completion of a major deal between two leading housebuilders and the County Durham-headquartered developer behind the scheme.
Banks Property secured outline planning permission from Durham County Council for the Bent House Lane development last year and has since been working towards identifying the best housebuilders to take the project on.
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Despite first having to secure full permission later down the line, Banks Property has now agreed deals with Miller Homes and Barratt Homes, which will each develop half of the 19.5-hectare site.
The Bent House Lane site, which was allocated for residential development in the County Durham Plan, will now see up to 500 family homes being built on land to the south of the A181 Sherburn Road between Gilesgate and the A1(M).
Alongside the new homes, the Bent House Lane scheme will also include the creation of around 3.5 hectares of public open space and a new network of footpaths and cycleways to link with nearby amenities, including facilities at Dragonville and Damson Way and the National Cycle Route 14 to Durham City.
Other improvements will include new planting enhancements to the south of the site and new bus stops on the A181.
The two housebuilders will be bringing forward reserved matters applications for their respective parts of the site soon, with a view to construction starting as soon as possible, according to Banks Property.
Over 60 jobs will be supported on site during the construction phase of the development.
Mark Dickenson, development director at Banks Property, said: “Homes, and especially family homes, are very much needed in Durham City, and we were very pleased with the level of support from local people, local councillors, community groups and organisations when we brought this project forward.
“Developing the Bent House Lane site has been a long-term target for us, and as a longstanding County Durham business, it’s been especially important for us to ensure we find the best partners to realise its potential.”
John Jameson, area land director at Miller Homes, added: “Miller Homes has developed several sites in the Durham City area over the years and is delighted to have worked in partnership with the Banks Group and Barratt Homes in securing another important housing site in the area,” while Neil Milburn, land and development director at Barratt Homes North East, added: “This exchange is fantastic news for both Barratt Homes and Durham house hunters because we’re one step closer to building a new and thriving community in a highly sought-after area close to Durham City Centre.”
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