A council has been urged to ensure that affordable homes are prioritised after a deal for a new housing development was approved.
Council leaders approved plans on Tuesday to release funding for a new housing development on land near Coniscliffe Road. Located between the Broken Scar water treatment works and Hummersknott Academy, the council has outlined a future development of 70-90 three, four, and five-bed homes.
Councillor Matthew Snedker said the future development should be accessible to all potential homeowners in Darlington. “We should be doing everything in our power to ensure every area benefits from affordable housing – and this is an ideal place to play our part and ensure affordable housing is brought forward,” he told a cabinet meeting.
The Green Party councillor added: “There’s regular concern about affordable housing and that it isn’t pushed off to somewhere else; it belongs in every community. There is a housing need, and we should walk the walk, not just talk the talk, in terms of affordable housing.”
The local authority owns 14.2 acres of land around the site and has noted it could be developed under its Local Plan, but there are currently no viable access points. The owners of a nearby house and plot have agreed to sell to help the council realise its plans, a council report states.
It adds: “Currently, the site with access is envisaged to accommodate a mixed residential site of approximately 70-90 new homes, and a mix of three/four/five-bed detached homes. However, these details are subject to change as the application is considered through the planning process.”
The authority said Homes by Esh, its joint venture partner, would undertake feasibility work ahead of submitting a planning application. Subject to planning permission for the council’s land being obtained, the council would then complete the acquisition.
As part of the process, funding is due to be released from the council’s Investment Fund. A further report will be presented to cabinet members in the future, detailing the capital receipt the council would achieve from the sale to the joint venture.
Further details on the scheme, including a detailed site layout plan showing the actual number of houses, will be submitted at a later date. The council has also proposed entering into an Infrastructure Development Agreement – a contract between a land owner and developer that outlines important infrastructural information that will impact the project – with Homes England as part of the Burtree Garden Village scheme.
The initial proposal is part of a borough-wide ambition to build thousands more homes in response to high demand and expanding housing waiting lists.
In November 2024, Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee approved plans for 475 homes on land north of Coniscliffe Road. However, some residents shared their concerns over school places, shops, GP practices, and traffic management on Coniscliffe Road.
For breaking news in your area direct to your inbox every day, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
Join Teesside Live’s WhatsApp community for top stories and breaking news sent directly to your phone
Teesside Live is now on WhatsApp and we want you to join our community.
Through the app, we’ll send you the latest breaking news, top stories, exclusives and much more straight to your phone.
To join our community group, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select ‘Join Community’.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Teesside Live team.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘Exit group’.
If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
