believe housing has submitted a planning application for 22 new affordable homes on the outskirts of Durham.
The not-for-profit landlord has applied to Durham County Council for permission to build four bungalows and 18 houses at Farnham Road, in Newton Hall.
If approved, the new homes will redevelop the site of 22 outdated houses and five garage blocks that are due to be demolished.
In 2023, believe housing decided to demolish the old homes, which were built as temporary accommodation in the 1960s. This followed consultation with tenants, 81% of whom agreed with the decision.
All affected residents have now been rehoused and compensated.
The proposed new build scheme was backed during a public consultation event last month (May 2025).
Tom Winter, Assistant Director of Development at believe housing, said: “People were positive about our proposal to build modern, energy-efficient affordable homes, including bungalows, in this popular location.
“We have taken onboard feedback from the consultation and prior comments when finalising the plan, including preserving trees and a car park on the site with an extra space in response to local comments.
“All the new homes will be available for social rent or affordable home ownership, based on an assessment of housing needs.”
believe housing has also applied to the council for a demolition notice and has appointed a preferred contractor to carry out that work and the redevelopment.
Subject to consent from the council, demolition could start in July and construction of new homes could begin next summer, if government funding towards redevelopment costs is secured.
People who are out of work and looking for support to get back into employment are being invited to free drop-in sessions hosted by believe housing.
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A community garden in County Durham has helped spring children’s imaginations into life, thanks to funding from believe housing.
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Children from County Durham have been debating the issues that matter most to them, and now they are leading the charge to make a difference in their neighbourhoods.
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Demolition work is underway at a County Durham housing site, marking a significant step by believe housing to address outdated homes and prepare the area for future redevelopment.
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