Durham Housing Schemes

Hedley Planning provided planning consultancy support to believe housing on two residential developments in County Durham, securing planning permission for a combined 112 affordable homes across sites in Brandon and Newton Hall.

The Challenge

There is a significant need for additional affordable housing across County Durham, with both projects providing an opportunity to bring forward new homes while making effective use of existing sites.

At Brandon, the proposal involved the regeneration of a brownfield site formerly occupied by a housing estate, which had been demolished in 2022.

The challenge was to develop proposals that responded to local housing needs while creating high-quality, sustainable neighbourhoods and securing the necessary planning approvals.

Our Approach

Hedley Planning supported believe housing throughout the planning process for both developments, helping to navigate the planning requirements and support the applications through to determination.

The Brandon proposals were developed to provide a mix of 80 houses and 10 bungalows, offering homes for social rent, shared ownership and Rent to Buy.

The scheme also incorporated a range of improvements beyond the homes themselves, including:

• New roads and landscaping
• Improved green spaces
• Enhanced walking routes
• Upgraded bus stops
• Electric vehicle charging points
• Air source heat pumps
• Solar panels where appropriate
• A mix of property types designed to meet different housing needs

At Farnham Road, Newton Hall, the approved proposals provide 22 two, three and four-bedroom homes, together with new landscaping, tree planting and dedicated off-street and visitor parking.

The Outcome

Both planning applications were unanimously approved by Durham County Council’s Planning Committee, securing permission for a total of 112 affordable homes.

The schemes will provide a range of high-quality, energy-efficient homes while helping to address local housing need and regenerate previously developed land.

The Brandon development, valued at more than £20 million, could begin construction before the end of the 2026/27 financial year, subject to Homes England funding being secured.

Hedley Planning’s Role

The projects demonstrate Hedley Planning’s experience in supporting the delivery of affordable housing and residential development across the North East.

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.”

For more information about our residential planning services, get in touch with the Hedley Planning team.