A housing developer has revealed initial plans to build around 200 new homes in a former County Durham mining village. 

United Living has urged residents in Coundon to respond to its consultation after announcing its ambition, which would see the amount of homes in the village significantly increase, before creating an appropriate planning application.  

Up to 200 homes have been proposed so far on land north of Wharton Street, with a minimum of 10 per cent assigned as ‘affordable housing’. The scheme is set to provide a mixture of one, two, three and four-bed homes comprising bungalows and two-storey homes. The current mix of tenures proposed are private sale, affordable rent and rent to buy. 

Although the proposal is in the early stages it is already a cause for concern among some residents. Nicola Brown, whose house backs onto the land outlined for redevelopment, said the developer’s choice of location could have a detrimental impact on existing residents. Neighbours first learned about the proposal when leaflets were posted through their doors. 

She said: “The biggest things people are concerned about is congestion on the road network, public amenities and the sheer scale of it. The schools and dental practices in Bishop Auckland and the surrounding area are already oversubscribed. They’re saying they don’t have any more spaces for children and are at capacity every year.” 

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There are currently two primary schools in the village, with secondary school-age children travelling to nearby Bishop Auckland. 

United Living has already held in-person consultation meetings in Coundon as is expected to submit a planning application for the scheme later this year. Click here for more information on the proposed development. 

A statement from the developer read: “United Living New Homes are committed to ensuring any future development includes a positive response to the site’s assets and opportunities, including addressing any local issues, where possible.”