A builder is set to start work on the development of 135 new homes on the edge of a North East village.

Bellway has bought 12 acres of land south of Murton Lane, in Easington Lane, where the Forest Estate housing development used to stand before it was demolished in the early 2000s.

Sunderland City Council gave planning permission for the new homes on October 11 after the signing of the S106.

Bellway plans to start construction in November.

The development, which will be known as Elemore, will include a mix of energy-efficient houses – 21 two-bedroom, 58 three-bedroom, and 56 four-bedroom properties – all with solar PV panels and electric car charging points.

There will also be a network of footpaths and cycleways, a pond area, and a village green.

Miles Crossley, land director for Bellway North East, said: "There is a recognised need for new-build housing in this part of the North East, so our new development in Easington Lane will help meet this demand, as well as bringing significant economic, social and environmental benefits for the local area.

"Our plans will see us regenerate a disused brownfield site and transform it into a sustainable new neighbourhood featuring a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes, which will appeal to a wide range of buyers and help create a vibrant and diverse new community.

"Low-carbon technologies such as solar panels will help lessen the impact each home has on the environment and reduce household energy bills."

Mr Crossley added that the site is in a "prime location just four miles from the shops, pubs and other amenities in the town centre of Houghton-le-Spring and only five miles from the coast."

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The development will be accessed from a roundabout at Murton Lane to the north and from Cedar Crescent to the south.

All the homes will be from Bellway’s flagship Artisan Collection, built using a combination of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary construction methods.

The first properties are due to be released for sale in summer 2025.

For more information, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/north-east.