Plans for a new high-quality residential development to the east of
Durham City are set to move forward after the completion of a major deal
between two leading housebuilders and the County Durham-headquartered
developer behind the scheme.
Banks Property secured outline planning permission from Durham County
Council for the Bent House Lane development last year and has since been working towards identifying the most appropriate housebuilders to take the project on.
The family-owned firm has now agreed deals with both Miller Homes and
Barratt Homes, which will each develop around half of the 19.5-hectare
site.
The Bent House Lane site, which was allocated for residential
development in the County Durham Plan, will now see up to 500 family
homes being built on land to the south of the A181 Sherburn Road between
Gilesgate and the A1.
Alongside the new homes, the Bent House Lane scheme will also include
the creation of around 3.5 hectares of public open space and a new
network of footpaths and cycleways to link with nearby facilities,
including the retail facilities at Dragonville and Damson Way and the
National Cycle Route 14 to Durham City.
Other improvements will include new planting and ecological enhancements
to the south of the site and new bus stops provided on the A181 to
complement the existing bus services, which already go past the site,
while a significant seven-figure contribution to the local education
system will also form part of the overall scheme.
Part of the Bent House Lane site was owned by the Church Commissioners
for England, who worked collaboratively with Banks Property on its
development.
The two housebuilders will be bringing forward reserved matters
applications for their respective parts of the site in the near future,
with a view to construction commencing as soon as possible.
Over 60 jobs will be supported on site during the construction phase of
the development, with significant contract opportunities being made
available to local suppliers across a range of different areas.
Mark Dickenson, development director at Banks Property, says: “Homes,
and especially family homes, are very much needed in Durham City, and we
were very pleased with the level of support from local people, local
councillors, community groups and organisations when we brought this
project forward.
“Developing the Bent House Lane site has been a long-term target for us,
and as a longstanding County Durham business, it’s been especially
important for us to ensure we find the best partners to realise its
potential.
“We’re very pleased to have reached agreements with two such
highly-respected housebuilders who will now move on to deliver our plans
to create a thriving and well-connected new community that will have a
positive economic impact on both our home city and the wider county.
“We have worked closely with both Miller Homes and Barratt Homes for
many years, and it’s been a pleasure to be able to finalise the latest
stage of our continuing relationship.”
John Jameson, area land director at Miller Homes, adds: “Miller Homes
has developed several sites in the Durham City area over the years and
is delighted to have worked in partnership with the Banks Group and
Barratt Homes in securing another important housing site in the area.
This latest development will provide much needed housing and investment
in the local area which includes affordable housing.”
Neil Milburn, land and development director at Barratt Homes North East,
says: “This exchange is fantastic news for both Barratt Homes and Durham
house hunters because we’re one step closer to building a new and
thriving community in a highly sought-after area close to Durham City
Centre.
“We’re excited to develop Bent House Lane and to be investing £1.27
million into the local area which means, alongside Miller Homes, we will
be enhancing much needed education and healthcare facilities as well as
making other improvements to footpaths, open spaces and recreational
areas.”