Affordable homes on way for edge of town

Work to build almost 60 affordable homes – and regenerate disused land on the edge of a County Durham town – is under way.

Housing association ‘believe housing’ is working with Partner Construction to build 59 homes in Peterlee.

The Stephenson Mews development is on a brownfield site on the edge of the town's North East Industrial Estate, which has been vacant for a numberofyearsandwillsee23 two-bed, 30 three-bed and six four-bed homes constructed on Stephenson Road.

Six of the new homes will bebungalows,tomeetgrowing needs for wheelchair accessible homes. The homes will be available for Affordable Rent and Rent to Buy tenure.

Kate Abson, director of development at believe housing, said: “These new homes build upon our commitment to provide high-quality affordable properties in towns and villages across County Durham.

“We have firm plans to deliver more than 1,250 new homes by 2026, which is expected to support more than 3,800 jobs and 40 apprenticeships during construction.”

Easington MP Grahame Morris attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

He said: “I’m excited about thisdevelopmentasitaddresses local need with a mix of affordablehomes,andI’mahuge advocateofdevelopingbrownfieldsiteswhereverpossiblein favourofbuildingongreenbelt.

“This site will also have the benefit of existing bus routes, shops and services and being close to the A19.”

Graeme Walton, contracts manager at Partner Construction, said: “We are delighted to have started building at Stephenson Road. Groundbreaking marks an important milestone and I am delighted building work can now start in earnest.”