THE housebuilder behind two new developments worth a total of £65m has been named.

The firm to build houses off Browney Lane, near Meadowfield, and Willowtree Avenue, Gilesgate Moor, will be Bett Homes.

The North-East company has bought the two sites, which together cover 31.7 acres, and it plans to build 271 two- to five-bedroom homes at Browney Lane and 41 one, three and four-bedroom properties at Willowtree Avenue.

Managing director Scott Varley said: “The two new Durham sites represent a significant investment for the business and are part of Bett Homes’ ongoing strategy for a major roll out of new sites across the North-East in 2015 and beyond.”

Planning permission for both sites has already been granted, both in the face of widespread local opposition.

Durham County Council gave the go-ahead for Browney Lane in March last year, despite concerns over traffic, congestion, highway safety and the loss of village character.

Consent for Willowtree Avenue was granted in March.