A MULTI-million pound scheme to build 167 new homes on the edge of a village have met with a mixed response from residents.

Taylor Wimpey has applied for planning permission to construct a £13m housing estate on land north of Ladysmith Terrace, in Ushaw Moor, near Durham.

John Howarth, of Ladysmith Terrace, said the village’s infrastructure was already struggling to cope and the new homes would be at risk of flooding.

However, John Arthurs, of Welby Drive, said it was potentially great news for the village, predicting it would bring infrastructure improvements.

“We need to move away from seeing problems and look to the future with the enthusiasm of our forefathers who founded this village when it was just farmland,” Mr Arthurs said.

Of the 167 homes proposed for the 5.5-hectare Greenfield site, 33 would be “affordable” two or three bedroom homes, while the others would be three or four bedroom detached houses.

Around 1,000 leaflets explaining the plans were sent out and a consultation event was held in January.

Taylor Wimpey says the site has good transport links and amenities and a drainage strategy will reduce the flood risk.

Building would take place over five years, supporting 42 jobs, and new residents would spend up to £6.5m a year, including £1m in the local economy.

Durham County Council would get a £1.4m New Homes Bonus and an extra £2.1m in council tax.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesman said: “The consultation process enabled us to involve the local community in shaping our designs to ensure the plans will not only work for current residents, but enhance the area for the long term.

“The consultation informed Taylor Wimpey that our design should feature play space and affordable homes, so we’re proposing a number of green open spaces which link up and lead to a natural play space consisting of boulders and logs at the heart of the project.”

He said he hoped the homes would appeal to people already living in Ushaw Moor and others.

“It is our hope that new residents will bring additional expenditure to help secure a vibrant future for the local area.”

A statutory consultation period has begun and comments can be made until Wednesday, May 7. The council aims to put the scheme before a planning committee in May.