"Significant boost to the local economy."
Joe Ridgeon of Hedley Planning Services
Plans for a new £11m residential development on the outskirts of a County Durham village have been given the green light.
The move will see proposals for 46 three, four and five bedroomed homes, which have been approved by Durham County Council planning department, now proceed.
The development by Akenside Developments at Syke Road in Burnopfield includes detached family-style homes, as well as bungalows designed for the elderly.
The scheme, which is perceived as a strong boost to regional housing stock, will see the first properties released onto the market in early 2021 plugging a gap in the market for families looking to live in larger, more energy efficient properties.
The development will also spearhead an increased contribution to the local economy as upwards of £1.4m is estimated to be spent in shops and on other community services and facilities as people start to move into the development.
More than 50 new construction jobs could be created as onsite work gets underway, with dozens more supported in associated supply chain and indirect roles including delivery drivers.
Joe Ridgeon, director at North East-based Hedley Planning Services, has secured approval for the project, overseeing the local planning authority’s decision to grant permission for a scheme that’s attracting considerable interest from potential homeowners.
Welcoming the decision, he said: “This is another important step forward in securing much needed, good quality housing stock for this part of County Durham.
“It’ll be a significant boost to the local economy and as planners, we want to see the creation of good quality housing schemes that leave a long-lasting legacy and provide lovely homes for people.”
Plans for the development, which have been drawn up by Newcastle architectural technologists Ergo Projects, have focused on creating properties that are energy efficient and feature the latest in sustainable building materials and techniques.
Joe Ridgeon added that on the back of a growing client base and a strong track record in planning approval success, Hedley Planning Services goes from strength-to-strength.
He said: “We have been adapting to the new normal and this is one of the first approvals in County Durham under the new delegated approval process. This involved working with the Council Officers to resolve practical matters and ensure that the permission could be issued.”
