Work to regenerate disused land on the edge of a County Durham town with almost 60 new affordable homes is underway.
Housing association believe housing is working with Partner Construction to deliver 59 high-quality homes in Peterlee, an area where it sees some of its greatest demand for new and affordable properties.
The Stephenson Mews development is located on a brownfield site on the edge of the North East Industrial Estate, which has been vacant for a number of years, and lies next to a new housing development.
It will see 23 two-bed, 30 three-bed and six four-bed homes constructed on Stephenson Road. Six of the new homes will be bungalows, to meet growing needs for wheelchair accessible homes in the area.
The homes will be available for Affordable Rent and Rent to Buy tenure to suit a wide range of people including those wanting to save to buy their own home.
Easington MP Grahame Morris joined Partner Construction Contracts Manager Graeme Walton, Site Manager Rob Bowman, Senior Engineer Elliot Martindale, and local lad Lewis King, a Development Assistant at believe housing, to mark the start of works on the site.
Lewis started his career with believe housing as an apprentice, after leaving Shotton Hall Academy, and secured a permanent role in late 2018.
The 21-year-old, from Peterlee, said: “Being from the town, I know just how needed these homes are and am really honoured to help mark the start of work on a site which will deliver good, affordable homes for people wanting to be part of this community.”
Mr Morris said: “I’m quite excited about this development as it addresses local need with a mix of affordable homes, and I’m a huge advocate of developing brownfield sites wherever possible in favour of building on greenbelt.
“This site will also have the benefit of existing bus routes, shops and services and being close to the A19.”
Kate Abson, Director of Development at believe housing, added: “These new homes build upon our commitment to provide high-quality affordable properties in towns and villages across County Durham, like Peterlee.
“We have firm plans to deliver more than 1,250 new homes by 2026, which is expected to support more than 3,800 jobs and 40 apprenticeships during construction.”
Graeme Walton, Contracts Manager at Partner Construction, a subsidiary of United Living New Homes, said: “We are delighted to have started building at Stephenson Road. The groundbreaking ceremony marks an important milestone for the development, and I am delighted building work can now start in earnest.
“Working collaboratively with believe housing, we look forward to delivering high-quality, affordable new homes that will provide a welcome housing boost to the local community.”
Hundreds of residents living in flats across County Durham will be able to get fast, more reliable broadband at home after a new deal was agreed by believe housing with Netomnia and Places for People.
believe housing has been recognised as one of the best places to work in the UK.
It was named a ‘3 Star, world-class to work for’ employer by Best Companies and has risen up three league tables.
believe housing has teamed up with North East councils and housing providers to fight social housing fraud, which is depriving families and vulnerable people of the homes they need.
A community centre has been given the kitchen makeover it needed so that local groups can make full use of its facilities.
