Dere Street Homes have completed construction and handed over ownership of 11 two bedroom bungalows at their Marley Fields development in Wheatley Hill to private registered affordable homes provider, Hellens Residential.
It is the second co-operation between the developer and social landlord following a similar scheme in Trimdon where Dere Street Homes delivered a range of two and three bedroom family homes for Hellens Residential, who now own some 100 properties throughout the North East.
Sean McQuaid, Managing Director of Durham-based Dere Street Homes, commented, “There’s a huge demand for new homes in County Durham and the provision of social housing is an important part of our work here. We’ll be building a total of 106 homes at Marley Fields and the response so far has been phenomenal, especially since we opened the showhome in May, with 37 reservations so far. This year we are planning to complete 25 homes and have 40 projected for next year.”
“The fact that almost 80% of our purchasers come from within a 5 mile radius, shows the level of local demand here which is reflected in the equally high demand for homes to rent in Wheatley Hill. The provision of housing is vital for the regeneration of the whole area and we’re very proud to be playing our part.”
Kate Hellens, Managing Director of Hellens Residential, added, “There’s a huge demand for homes here, especially for rental properties and bungalows for those families who are downsizing once their children leave the family home. The criteria for prospective customers is very clear in that they must be local residents with restrictions on savings and income, to help ensure the sustainability of the village.”
“The bungalows are superb, set around a central courtyard with dedicated parking spaces for each property and a good sized rear garden.”
Cutting the ribbon to hand over the bungalows, Cllr Lucy Hovvels MBE, Portfolio Holder for Adult and Health Services, said, “We are determined to regenerate villages like Wheatley Hill and see the provision of affordable housing as a vital first step. It’s a beautiful development and we’re very pleased to be working with both Dere Street Homes and Hellens Residential, both of who are local Durham-based companies employing local Durham people.”
Located to the east of Durham City, the development will eventually contain 106 new homes of eight different designs on a brownfield site just off the A181 linking the A1(M) to the A19 at Castle Eden. With two, three and four bedroom designs of homes, the aim is for a mixed development with prices to suit a variety of buyers from those taking their first steps on the housing ladder to growing families who wish to stay in the area but are looking for a bigger home.
Details of the bungalows for affordable home ownership are available from Hellens Residential at www.hellensresidential.co.ukor on (0191) 5946666.
Prices for those homes released for sale at Marley Fields start from £155,000. Full details are available from Louise Kenny, Sales Manager, Thursday to Monday 10.00am to 5.00pm on 07944 568720 or www.derestreethomes.co.uk