Plans for new affordable homes in Bishop Auckland have been praised for helping improve a site troubled by anti-social behaviour. 

Oaktree Living’s proposal for 23 homes was approved by Durham County Council’s planning committee on Thursday. 

The development at the former bus depot on Morland Street has been marketed as “100 per cent affordable housing” and will be taken over by local housing provider Livin Homes. 

A planning meeting heard how the housing development will include a mix of two-storey homes and bungalows. Two homes will be available as rent-to-buy properties. 

The Northern Echo: The Arriva bus depot on Morland Street before it was demolished The Arriva bus depot on Morland Street before it was demolished (Image: The Northern Echo)

Buildings which previously housed the bus depot have recently been demolished. 

The developer said the new estate will ease local housing demand and will generate economic benefits for the area through job creation. 

A statement from Oaktree Living read: “We have worked hard alongside the council to provide an attractive and inviting scheme for new residents to live.”

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County councillor Cathy Hunt said the site is currently an anti-social behaviour hotspot but believes the plans will improve the site. 

She told Thursday’s planning meeting: “I am totally in support of this project. This will tidy the place up as well as supplying much-needed affordable housing.”

The Woodhouse Close ward member’s support was echoed by cllr George Richardson who described approving the application as a “no-brainer”. Cllr Anita Savory added: “It’s making use of land that was previously used and I am in full support.”