construction of much-needed affordable homes underway
Work has started on a £5.3m scheme to bring previously developed land in County Durham back into use for much-needed affordable housing.
Bishop Auckland-based construction firm T Manners & Sons Ltd is building 22 new homes at Bevan Square, in Murton, for not-for-profit housing association believe housing.
The scheme will include a mix of two, three and four-bed houses along with four two-bedroom bungalows.
The homes are due to be complete early next year when 15 will be available for social rent and seven as rent to buy, enabling customers to rent at a discounted rate with the option of buying their home after five years.
Daniel Mawson, Land and Partnerships Project Manager at believe housing, said: “We have a strong track record of working with T Manners and are proud to partner with them again to deliver much-needed affordable housing in Murton.
“These high-quality, energy-efficient homes will meet the needs of a range of customers including families, older people, and those looking to work towards owning their own home.
“Thanks to support from Homes England and the government’s top-ups to the Affordable Homes Programme, we’re transforming a site that was cleared of outdated flats decades ago.
“This attractive development is not only creating healthy homes but also boosting the community.”
Each home will have enhanced insultation, air source heat pumps, solar panels, and EV charging points, in line with believe housing’s Future Homes strategy of delivering homes fit for the future, around the core principles of energy efficiency, low carbon heating, and renewable energy technologies.
Designed by regional firm JDDK Architects, the scheme is centred around a landscaped area, enhancing the space for residents.
And a Sustainable Drainage System (SuDs) basin will help manage water runoff and provide an attractive area for people to socialise and habitat for wildlife.
Chris Sinclair, Contracts Manager at T Manners, said: “We’re thrilled to be continuing to work with believe housing to provide much needed homes for different tenures that suit a range of circumstances, and also have the environment and energy efficiency at their core.
“We’re a local supplier, which not only means this partnership is boosting the local economy but also means we’re delivering social value which makes a positive difference in the local community too.”
believe housing is expanding its employability support beyond just customers to entire neighbourhoods, offering one-on-one advice and support to people in its homes to help them access jobs.
believe housing has marked a funding milestone, distributing a million pounds in grants to enhance communities and improve wellbeing across County Durham.
believe housing partnership creates nine apprenticeships in first year to support career development.
At believe housing, we’re committed to improving our services. Read about the positive changes we've made based on customer feedback and what we’ve been up to so far this year.
