Planning permission given for 428 new homes in Darlington

Detailed planning consent has been issued for more than 400 new homes to be built in the first phase of a new neighbourhood in the sought-after West End of Darlington.

Housebuilder Bellway will build 428 homes on the 56-acre site off Staindrop Road after being given permission by Darlington Borough Council on Monday 29 September.

The Bellway development will be called Baydale Village and will include 300 homes for private sale and 128 affordable homes.

It is part of a wider project to build a neighbourhood of up to 985 properties with proposed facilities such as a GP surgery, shop, sports pitches and land for a primary and early years school. Permission for the wider project was granted last year.

Head of Land for Bellway Durham, Mark Gabriele, said: “Baydale Village is the largest project we have yet undertaken at Bellway Durham so gaining reserved matters approval for phase 1 is a landmark moment for us.

“The site was allocated for housing in the Darlington Local Plan, and our development will provide exactly what this area needs in terms of high-quality homes that people will enjoy living in, in the years ahead.

“And with 30 per cent of the properties being designated as affordable homes, there are opportunities here for people to have a home at Baydale Village through rental, shared ownership or First Homes for discounted sale.

“This will be a very attractive development to buyers because of the variety of modern, energy-efficient homes we have planned. The green open spaces provided combined with the convenient location will be beneficial for customers. A neighbourhood of this size will deliver a significant boost to the local economy, creating jobs and supporting businesses.”

Baydale Village will be built by Bellway Durham and Ashberry Homes North East, which is part of Bellway Group. Work is anticipated to start on site in December and the first homes are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The private homes will range from two to five-bedroom designs and include 20 bungalows suitable for elderly purchasers or those with disabilities.

The 128 affordable homes will be available for local people through low-cost rent, shared ownership, or sold via the First Homes scheme which gives eligible buyers a discount on the full cost.

Baydale Village will feature green open spaces and ponds. Trees, mixed shrubs and hedgerows will be planted to help provide wildlife habitats. Nest boxes will be placed at more than 70 of the properties, including swift boxes and sparrow/starling terraces next to open spaces to increase the availability of nesting sites.

For more information, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/durham/baydale-village or https://www.ashberryhomes.co.uk/new-homes/north-east/serenity-at-baydale-village.