Plans for hundreds of new of homes north of Durham have been approved by the Secretary of State paving the way for an investment of nearly £5million. 

The decision, announced on Wednesday (21 August), follows planning appeals by Bellway and County Durham Land LLP which were heard at a public inquiry earlier this year.

It means that Bellway can build 368 new homes on the land north and east of Sniperley Farm and convert four farm buildings into homes. Bellway was also given outline consent for an extension to Sniperley Park and Ride.

In addition, County Durham Land has secured outline approval for a further 1,550 homes, a local centre, a public house and a primary school on the wider site.

Miles Crossley, Land Director for Bellway North East, said: “This decision will pave the way for the construction of hundreds of new energy-efficient homes which will help meet the significant need for new housing in Durham.(Image: Bellway)

“Our development, which will be known as DH1, will be a sustainable and desirable place to live, with carefully designed homes set within tree-lined avenues and wide-open natural green spaces and play areas on the doorstep.

“There will be 92 affordable homes within this first phase of the development. Across the wider project, 25 per cent of all homes will be designated as affordable.

“Many homes within the development will feature air source heats pumps and PV solar panels, delivering significant reductions in carbon emissions and energy bills for residents.”(Image: Google)

The developers will invest almost £5 million in infrastructure to support the new homes. This includes contributions for the provision of a new primary school and nursery; extending an existing secondary school; for a new healthcare facility; and transport improvements.

New bus routes, cycle paths, footpaths and highways infrastructure will be provided. The financial contributions will also help to create new playing pitches and facilities to support these, and to provide new allotments.

DH1 will include homes of all sizes to meet a range of needs, from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom detached houses.

Two-thirds of the homes will be accessible and adaptable for wheelchair users, while 10 per cent have been designed to meet the requirements of older residents.(Image: Bellway Homes)

Four of the 19th-century farm buildings, including the main farmhouse, will be retained and converted into homes, while new-build homes planned near the historic core of the farm have been sympathetically designed to incorporate traditional features such as gable-end chimney stacks and window lintels.

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DH1 will also feature 19 acres of public open space, including a linear park and play facilities, with ecological benefits including tree planting and the creation of new wildlife habitats.

Bellway North East and Bellway Strategic Land have worked together "to ensure the new community will be sustainable and meet local housing need".

Bellway intends to start construction work at DH1 later this year and the first homes are expected to be released for sale in the autumn of 2025.

More information about the development can be found by clicking here.