WORK is underway on a £1.3m affordable housing scheme in Darlington.

Railway Housing Association is building ten new homes for rent at Alverton Drive, Faverdale.

This will be the Association’s first new development in Darlington in five years, following the completion of a 13-home scheme at nearby West Park in 2010.

The two-bedroom bungalows, which will be let to people in housing need, are expected to be completed in February 2015.

They are being built to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3 Standard, which will mean they will be 25 per cent% more energy efficient than properties built before 2006. This will include additional insulation and water saving features.

New residents will be given a choice of kitchen units, worktops, handles, bathroom wall covering and floor coverings in the kitchen and bathroom as well the choice of a level access shower or a bath to suit their needs.

Anne Rowlands, the housing association’s chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have started work on this new development in Darlington.

“There is a real need for affordable rented housing in the town so in partnership with Darlington Borough Council we are aiming to offer high quality homes for local people.

Councillor Veronica Copeland, cabinet member for adult social care and housing, said: It is great news that Railway Housing Association is once again building new homes in Darlington to help us meet the demand we have for affordable accommodation. We have relatively few two-bedroom bungalows to rent so they are a very welcome addition.”

The total cost of the scheme is £1.3m, which includes funding of £250,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency, the national housing and regeneration agency for England.