Plans to build 51 new council houses on three County Durham sites set to go before councillors

The plans are part of our commitment to build 500 new council houses in the coming years.

The council house delivery programme will bring around £77.5million of capital investment into the county, including an estimated £24.5million Homes England grant.

Members of the our Cabinet will consider a report outlining an updated business case and delivery approach for the programme when they meet on Wednesday 12 July.

And they will also be asked to commit to pressing ahead with plans to build the first 51 properties on sites in Burnhope, Seaham and Spennymoor.

"We need more affordable houses"

Cllr James Rowlandson, our Cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, said: "We need more affordable houses in County Durham and we remain very much committed to our plans to build 500 council houses in the county.

"In light of the pandemic, inflationary pressures in the construction sector and rising interest rates it has been the right thing to do to refresh our existing business plan and the approach to delivering our programme.

"This has allowed us to incorporate opportunities to provide permanent housing for people at risk of becoming homeless and living in temporary accommodation, which would generate cost savings to the council, as well as bungalows for our fast-growing population of older people.

"The scale of this programme and associated investment will support much needed jobs in construction and the supply chain too.

"Our commitment to delivering these 500 new council houses for rent is a key part of our housing strategy, which is all about making sure County Durham is a place that has good quality and affordable homes that meet the needs of existing and future residents."

Three sites identified for first new properties

The first 51 new properties would consist of 22 at Greenwood Avenue in Burnhope, 20 north of Portland Avenue in Seaham and nine at Merrington View in Spennymoor.

They would be subject to the usual planning processes and consultation with local residents and interested parties.