Bent House Lane in Durham to have 470 homes built by 2029

Bent House Lane, on the outskirts of Durham City, will be the site of the housing, which will take up much of the stretch of road, which connects Front Street in Dragonville and Shincliffe Road, near Sherburn House. 

The new developments began after Miller Homes North East revealed details of its Bishops Walk project.

Bent House Lane, Durham (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

The project will create 235 homes ranging from bungalows to five-bed properties, with the site just a short walk from the city centre and overlooks the Cathedral.

Designed to provide a mix of homes, the Bishops Walk scheme will comprise homes ranging from single to two and a half storeys.

Properties will also offer two to five bedrooms with bungalows and multi-generational homes creating a vibrant community and 59 of the properties will be a combination of affordable rent and discounted market sale.

This development has already been partly built, with several homeowners moved onto the site.

Patrick Arkle, managing director at Miller Homes North East, said the development “offers an unrivalled opportunity” in terms of location.

The Miller Homes Bishops Walk development (Image: MILLER HOMES)

He said: “Not only is the city – with its fascinating buildings, superb shops, theatres, cinema and restaurants - on your doorstep, but if you jump on a train you could be in London in just over two hours or Edinburgh in about 90 minutes.”

This announcement from Miller Homes came at a similar time to Barratt Homes revealing details of its Old Durham Gate development, which will offer a collection of two, three, four and five-bedroom homes.

While this development is almost fully complete, it represents a large number of houses that will be built on Bent House Lane.

The developer's description says: " Within walking distance to the historic city, homes at Old Durham Gate will offer beautiful walks along the River Wear, surrounded by scenic views.

Barratt's Old Durham Gate development (Image: BARRATT HOMES)

"All homes on the development will integrate Part L energy efficiency standards, which will enable homeowners to make significant savings on their energy bills whilst benefiting from sustainability and eco-friendly living.

"This includes features such as solar panels, waste water heat recovery and increased insulation, all of which play a vital role in improving the energy efficiency of the home, and in turn, reducing household bills."The development will also benefit from a range of local amenities such as shops, cafes, restaurants and OFSTED-rated ‘Good’ schools."

Believe Housing will be taking 70 of those new homes on the site by 2029. 

The housing association has seen very high demand for its first five homes off Bent House Lane, which is just two miles from the city centre and has both countryside and local amenities within easy reach.

“We knew this site would be exceptionally popular because we’re providing high-quality affordable homes, in a place where people want to live,” said Kate Abson, Director of Development at Believe Housing.

Recommended reading:

• New homes approved despite concerns over traffic and 'children playing'
• Newton Aycliffe man appears in court on string of child sex offences
• LIVE: Reports of armed police on Bishop Auckland street

​Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Click here.

“It is well connected for drivers and by public transport and within walking distance of many places of work, essential services, and the shops, culture and leisure Durham has to offer, as well as having open countryside on the doorstep.”

By 2029 believe housing will have 70 homes in this area, all available for affordable rent.

Kate added: “We are seeing demand increase year on year in this area, with almost 1,000 people on our register saying they want to live here.

“In response to that local housing need, we will gradually be able to offer more people the home they need and aspire to live in while contributing to a vibrant community.”