Planning permission has been secured for 112 affordable homes across two sites in County Durham, following the approval of applications supported by Hedley Planning.
Durham County Council’s Planning Committee unanimously approved proposals for 90 affordable homes at Sawmills Lane, Brandon, alongside a further 22 homes at Farnham Road, Newton Hall.
Both schemes were brought forward by housing association believe housing, with Hedley Planning providing planning consultancy support throughout the development of the proposals.
Regenerating a brownfield site in Brandon
The £20 million-plus Brandon development will transform a brownfield site formerly occupied by a housing estate, which was demolished in 2022.
The proposals comprise 80 houses and 10 bungalows, providing a mix of social rent, shared ownership and Rent to Buy properties.
The development also includes new roads, landscaping and improved green spaces, alongside measures designed to support a more sustainable and accessible neighbourhood.
Energy-efficient features will include air source heat pumps, electric vehicle charging points and solar panels where appropriate. The proposals will also provide upgraded bus stops and improved walking routes.
New homes for Newton Hall
At Farnham Road in Newton Hall, the approved scheme will deliver 22 new two, three and four-bedroom homes, together with new landscaping, tree planting and dedicated off-street and visitor parking.
Together, the two developments will provide much-needed affordable housing and contribute towards meeting local housing needs across County Durham.
Alex Franklin, Associate Director at Hedley Planning, said:
“These developments will deliver much-needed homes in communities where there is a significant need for affordable housing.
“The proposals have been carefully developed to respond to local housing requirements, providing a mix of property types and sizes while also improving the quality and sustainability of the existing sites.
“We’re pleased to have supported believe housing in securing planning permission for both schemes and look forward to seeing the proposals progress.”
Construction at Brandon could begin before the end of the 2026/27 financial year, subject to Homes England funding being secured.
The schemes form part of wider efforts to increase the supply of affordable, high-quality and energy-efficient housing across the North East.
