BUILDING on a new housing estate is expected to start later this month.

Durham County Council granted planning permission for the construction of 167 new homes on open land north of Ladysmith Terrace, in Ushaw Moor, near Durham City, earlier this summer.

Now housebuilder Taylor Wimpey has announced work is expected to begin during September.

Karl Morton, the firm’s sales and marketing director, said: “This development will bring more quality living opportunities.... and will mean the area is further added to in a style that is sympathetic to the surrounding countryside.

“The site will offer a mix of two, three and four bedroom traditional family homes, which will be of varying styles and heights to complement the environment and maximise the stunning views.

“We’ve had large levels of early interest and expect to help househunters move here very quickly.”

The £13m estate, covering 5.5 hectares, will have 33 “affordable” two- or three-bedroom houses plus other detached homes with three or four bedrooms.

Council planning officers had recommended planning consent be refused, citing congestion problems on the A167 and A690, but community leaders said the area needed the new homes and investment.

Prices will be announced in the next few months but potential buyers can register an interest online at taylorwimpey.co.uk