Developers believe the new plans meet the growing need for new affordable housing in the Weardale area
Permission is being sought to build new affordable homes in Wolsingham. If accepted, the proposed development at Durham Road will see the construction of 20 two and three-bed affordable properties.
The County Durham development will constitute 100 percent affordable housing to address an identified need in the town.
Applicant Imperator Developments said the plot is already within an established residential area with amenities within the vicinity.
The design and access statement reads: The site provides a natural extension to the existing town to the west as an infill site with dwellings to the east. It includes a mix of two and three bedroom properties as bungalows and terraced housing designed to blend well with the existing character and building materials of the town. The scheme responds to Durham County Council’s housing policy of maximising the availability of affordable homes across the local authority.
The new development will be situated sufficiently away from existing properties to the east and west of the site with a continuation of terraces along Durham Road which will benefit from views across the field between Atwood and Ward Terraces, it reads.
All 11, three bedroom houses would be ‘Rent to Buy’ tenure whereby rent is 80 percent for five years, in an attempt to support residents with saving for a deposit. Then the property can be purchased. The seven, two-bedroom houses and two bungalows would be traditional Affordable Rent tenure, it states.
To clarify affordable rent is no more than 80 per cent of market rent via a Choice Based Lettings service based on priority need. Existing pedestrian access along Durham Road will be extended, it states.
Developers believe the new plans meet the growing need for new affordable housing in the Weardale area.
They said the development provides a sustainable mix of property types for general family needs and older people.
