Work starts on ‘much-needed’ new council homes for village
Work is underway to build 10 new council homes in a Wearside village.
South Tyneside Council is building the new homes in Hindmarch Drive, West Boldon,andpreliminarywork to prepare the site for the project has already started.
The development aims to provideamixofhouses,apartments and bungalows, all with two bedrooms and parking facilities. Nine of the properties will have a private garden.
The council says that all of the new homes will be A-rated for energy consumption and will use energy efficiency measures including air source heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage.
They will also all have electric vehicle charging points.
The homes are being built through the Housing Revenue Account, following changes to the cap on borrowing limits andgrantfundingprovidedby Homes England, and as part of the council’s five-year housing strategy.
Cllr Jim Foreman, lead member for housing and community safety at South TynesideCouncil,said:“We’re committed to meeting the borough’s housing needs, now and in the future, in line with our ambition of creating strong communities where people live in sustainable, safe and connected neighbourhoods.
“Housing is a lot more than just bricks and mortar, it can change people’s quality of life,
which is why we’re proactive about developing the kind of good quality, affordable
homes local people want.”
Construction work on the site is being undertaken by South Tyneside Homes, which will manage the development on behalf of the council, and the new homes are expected to be completed early next year.
Cllr Alison Strike, speaking on behalf of fellow Boldon Colliery ward councillors, Cllr Joanne Bell and Cllr Sandra Duncan, said: “We’re delighted that the council is building much-needed homes for or communities again and we’re over the moon to see this scheme get underway in our ward.
“This development is going to create much-needed, modern affordable accommodation that local people will be proud to call home.”
South Tyneside Council has a strategic plan for the building of up to 5,000 new homes in the borough over the next 15 years – including social housing and private dwellings.