Dozens of local people have taken a first look at plans for a proposed small-scale residential development in Sedgefield.
Housebuilder Banks Homes is bringing forward plans for a new development on the south eastern edge of the town, which would see around 50 family homes being built on a site bordered by the A689 and Stockton Road.
The County Durham-based firm put on a special community event to give local people the chance to find out more about the project for themselves and to ask questions about it.
Visitors’ comments will now be factored into the planning application that Banks Homes is expecting to submit to Durham County Council over the winter. If it is approved, work could start on site by summer 2027.
The proposed development would include provision of 20 per cent affordable homes and a biodiversity net gain of at least ten per cent.
Access would be provided via a new junction onto Stockton Road, while all the homes would be fitted with alternative heating systems to gas to help reduce carbon emissions.
Kate Culverhouse, community relations manager at the Banks Group, says: ““Feedback from local people is always essential in helping us finalise our development designs.
“We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to come along to our event and pleased with the number of visitors who provided positive feedback and ideas about our plans.
“The 20 per cent provision of affordable homes would provide additional options for people to either move to or stay in the area, while a biodiversity net gain of at least ten per cent and the use of alternative heating systems to gas would deliver significant environmental benefits.
“This will be a high-quality development in which we’re looking to create a range of sustainable, contemporary living spaces, and we hope the members of Durham County Council’s planning committee will recognise its many merits when it comes before them next year.”
Banks Homes is building a growing portfolio of high-quality residential sites across North East England and Yorkshire, with development under way at sites in West Rainton, Yarm and Hambleton in North Yorkshire.
The company also recently announced plans for new developments at Redmarshall near Stockton, which would include around 75 family homes, and at High Shincliffe near Durham City, which would include a further 80 new family homes.
For further information on Banks Homes’ proposed Sedgefield development, please visit www.banksgroup.co.uk/sedgefield