Dozens of new homes will be built in a County Durham town after councillors approved plans. 

A proposal by Gleeson Homes to build 53 houses in Ferryhill was approved by Durham County Council’s planning committee yesterday (Thursday, November 21). 

Located on land to the south of Dean Road, a mix of two, three and four-bedroomed homes are due to be built.

Housing developer Gleeson Homes said the new estate provides a sustainable development opportunity and would contribute to the provision of a mix of housing size, types and affordability in Ferryhill, “particularly promoting family housing and appropriate dwellings which allow people to stay in their local community”.

The application was reduced after previously proposing 62 homes. The application was reduced after previously proposing 62 homes. (Image: Google)

It added: “The proposals aim to deliver quality new homes to local people in addition to providing much-needed new housing in this location.

“Gleeson have an ethos of providing high-quality, low-cost homes, predominantly targeting first-time buyers and those looking to advance onto the property ladder. Therefore, we are conscious of affordability for a couple who are on the national living wage when setting all open market values, ensuring that a couple can afford to purchase a property on all of our developments.”

The application was reduced after previously proposing 62 homes. 

Among the 53 homes, five will be built as bungalows and five will be available as ‘affordable units’.

A financial contribution will be made towards improvements to Ferryhill and Chilton Medical Practice. There will also be a financial contribution to facilitate the provision of additional secondary school teaching accommodation within the Ferryhill electoral division. 

Gleeson added: “We want to inspire the younger generation with our presence in the area and be part of the learning of local school children.

"In addition, through the community matters programme, Gleeson are committed to provide ‘Local Jobs for Local People’ and offer priority of employment to those living within two miles of each site, ensuring that the benefit of jobs and spend go to directly to the local community.”

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Councillor Jim Atkinson praised the impact the housing will have on the local economy 

He said: “For me, this application is nice and easy and even easier when the planning officers recommend it for approval. I’m happy to go ahead with this. 

“It’s absolutely wonderful. It’s a great idea and let’s get started.”