Invitation to check out plans for homes (From The Advertiser Series)

Invitation to check out plans for homes in Stanhope

5:51pm Monday 3rd September 2012 in News By Duncan Leatherdale

RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say on plans for 23 affordable homes on the outskirts of a Weardale town.

Social housing company Riverside is in the process of submitting plans to Durham County Council for a new housing estate on the eastern edge of Stanhope.

The development, on a field next to Weardale Motor Services, on the A689, would comprise 23 properties, including ten two-bedroom bungalows, five two-bedroom houses and eight three-bedroom houses for affordable rent.

Subject to planning approval, work is due to start early next year with homes ready by the following October.

On Wednesday, the company will hold an open event at St Thomas’ Church Hall, in Stanhope, from 3.30pm to 7.30pm, for residents to see the plans and have their input. Representatives from Riverside will provide information on the proposals, how they manage their properties and how to apply for one of their homes.

Partner Construction will also be on hand to answer questions relating to the new development and residents will be able to view the detailed layout plans and elevation drawings which will be on display.

Julie Gray, Riverside’s assistant director in the North- East, said: “Consulting with the public is an important part of the process so we hope local residents will take this opportunity to find out more about the new development and provide their individual responses to the proposals.

“The current economic climate means there is a high demand for affordable housing in County Durham.

“The new development will not only address this need but the local community will also be boosted in terms of job creation and economic activity.”

Riverside owns about 200 homes in the county, predominantly in and around Durham City.

It also has homes at St Helen Auckland, but these would be its first properties in Weardale.

A spokeswoman for the firm said no criteria has yet been set for who would be able to rent the properties, but allocations would be made through Durham County Council’s Durham Key Options system.

Anyone unable to attend the open event can get more information on 0845-111-0000 or 0345-111-000, or by emailing info@riverside.org.uk