PLANS for a multi-million pound housing programme have been revealed.

Nearly 90 homes will be built across Redcar and Cleveland as part of the £8.5m programme for new housing schemes.

A derelict eyesore will be one of the sites transformed - from a former petrol station into homes for the over-55s in Redcar.

The five schemes, planned by three local housing associations, will be helped by a £4.164m Housing Corporation grant, part of the national Affordable Housing Programme, towards their completion over the next two years.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's cabinet member for housing and neighbourhood renewal, Councillor Chris Abbott, said: "I am particularly pleased to welcome Tees Valley Housing's proposals to redevelop the Roseberry Road petrol station site at Redcar into accommodation for the over-55s. That site has been an eyesore for too long and I'm sure residents will be looking forward to a positive conclusion."

The Tees Valley Housing Group plans to develop 12 units, which will become part of Redcar's wider Courts development.

The group will also get half its £2.9m project costs to build 20 extra-care units, and 20 privately-financed apartments at Lodge Farm, in Eston.

A third scheme will build 23 family homes, a mix of rented and shared ownership, at Church Lane, in Eston.

Carol Middleton, development manager at Tees Valley Housing Group, said: "Working with Redcar and Cleveland council, we are keen to help regenerate the Courts and the surrounding area, making it a pleasant and affordable place to live."

The Accent Housing Group is to buy land for six affordable shared-ownership homes at Guisborough in an £820,000 scheme, aided by a £158,000 grant.

The Three Rivers Housing Group has funding to refurbish the council-owned Hollingside, at Saltburn, to provide six special-needs residential units in a £673,000 scheme, boosted by a £525,000 grant.

Julie Jacques, the Housing Corporation's head of investment in the North-East, said: "This investment reiterates our clear commitment to meet the housing needs of Redcar and Cleveland's residents.

"Affordable homes have a vital role to play in communities right across England - giving people the comfort and stability they need and helping to create truly successful and long-lasting communities. This funding allocation will help to meet the housing needs and aspirations of local residents."