£9.8m affordable housing scheme breathes new life into brownfield land

New homes built in Peterlee, County Durham, have completely transformed a once-derelict site and are helping to improve the lives of residents.

The Weavers Close scheme by believe housing regenerated brownfield land off Stephenson Road, which had stood empty for several years, with 59 affordable homes.

The not-for-profit housing association saw high demand for the homes; receiving 157 bids for its 26 homes for affordable rent and more than 650 people registered their interest in the 33 Rent to Buy properties.

One resident says her physical and mental health and that of her daughter has improved since moving in.

“My daughter has chronic illnesses, and I suffer really badly with PTSD, anxiety and depression.

“Our new home is just perfect; it’s taken a burden off our minds and we’re both feeling so much better. It’s exactly what we needed,” she said.

The development is not only helping to meet local housing needs, but it has also supported the regional economy.

Research shows that every pound spent on new social housing generates an estimated £2.84 in the wider economy.

Director of Assets and Development at believe housing, Kate Abson, said: “Our investment here boosted local jobs and businesses during construction and will continue to benefit the area long term, enhancing the community and supporting growth.

“We’re proud to hear how happy and healthy our customers feel in their new homes and look forward to continuing to develop sites like this in future; providing more of the homes people need, where they’re needed, and regenerating communities.”

Easington MP Grahame Morris visited the development in 2022, when Durham-based homebuilder Partner Construction began work onsite, and returned last year when residents were moving in.

couple’s first home marks 1,000th new build milestone for believe housing | believe housing

With the scheme now complete and fully occupied, he said: “believe housing are at the forefront of delivering high-quality social housing to buy and rent in east Durham.

“The Weavers Close scheme demonstrates the power of social housing, not only regenerating a once derelict site into a thriving community, but also delivering homes that improve the health, wellbeing, and opportunities available to local residents.

“I commend believe housing for their dedication to delivering affordable housing in east Durham, and I look forward to seeing more developments like Weavers Close in the years ahead.”