plans approved for 22 affordable homes in durham

Planning permission has been granted for a £5.5m affordable housing development in Durham, marking a major step forward in the regeneration of the site and helping to meet housing need. 

The development will see 22 affordable homes built at Farnham Road, Newton Hall, replacing former homes that were originally constructed as temporary accommodation in the early 1960s and have since been demolished. 

The not-for-profit housing association, believe housing, will deliver a mix of two, three and four-bedroom houses alongside three two-bedroom bungalows. 

All 22 homes will be affordable, with a mix of Social Rent, the most affordable way to rent, Rent to Buy and Shared Ownership. The development will help meet the needs of families, older people, people with mobility difficulties and aspiring homeowners. 

The plan was unanimously approved by Durham County Council’s Area Planning Committee (Central and East) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, with members commending both the plans and believe housing’s collaborative approach. 

Tom Winter, Assistant Director of Development at believe housing, said: “Securing planning permission is an important milestone, and we’re delighted to be moving forward with our plans for this site. 

“Throughout the process, we’ve worked closely with planners, local stakeholders and the community, whose input has helped shape the scheme. 

“The result is a development that responds to local housing needs while creating an attractive, sustainable place for people to live, with improved paths, open space, and parking incorporated into the final plans. 

“Subject to securing Homes England funding, we hope to begin the regeneration phase before the end of the year and deliver 22 affordable homes in this popular location, close to local amenities and services. 

“This £5.5 million investment will provide much-needed housing, breathe new life into the site and create a neighbourhood that will benefit both existing and future residents for years to come.” 

The homes will be high quality and energy efficient, featuring air source heat pumps, solar panels, electric vehicle charging points and dedicated bike storage. 

They have also been designed with accessibility in mind, incorporating features such as wider doorways and layouts that can be adapted if residents’ mobility needs change in the future. 

The redevelopment follows the demolition of former homes on the site, which were originally built as temporary accommodation in the early 1960s.  

Following consultation with tenants in 2023, believe housing’s Board approved the plans, with affected residents supported to move into alternative homes. 

Contractor RE:GEN North East carried out the demolition and has been appointed to build the new homes. Construction could begin before the end of 2026, subject to Homes England funding being secured. 

Simon Watson, Regional Operations Director, RE:GEN North East, said:  “We’re proud to continue our partnership with believe housing as their trusted delivery partner. Together, we’ll deliver much more than new homes, creating opportunities for local people and lasting benefits for the wider community.”