Plans unveiled for new affordable homes

Published by Craig Downs for Cestria Community Housing in Housing and also in Communities

Cestria Community Housing has unveiled plans for a new development of social housing in a County Durham Village.

The Chester-le-Street based social landlord is building 22 two-bedroom bungalows in Sacriston which will help regenerate the area and provide much needed affordable homes.

During a pre-planning consultation event at Sacriston Community Centre on Wednesday 11^th January, local people and prospective future tenants were invited to view the proposed bungalows which will be built on the former Crossleas site.

Each energy efficient bungalow will be designed to the Government’s code for sustainable homes level 3 and will include off street parking and gardens and are designed to be ‘homes for life’.

The scheme, which has received £750k funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) will be developed by affordable housing and regeneration specialist, Galliford Try.

Paul Fiddaman, Chief Executive of Cestria Community Housing, said: “This is our first ever development as a social landlord and we are pleased to unveil our plans to the local people of Sacriston and the surrounding area.

“Not only will these sustainable new homes help to regenerate Sacriston but they will also provide a much needed boost to local people looking to rent a new home.

“Our consultation with local residents has ensured that we have taken all views and comments into consideration before submitting our plans to the council.”

Stuart Gibbons, Managing Director of Galliford Try Partnerships, said: “We are excited to be able to assist our partner Cestria Community Housing in providing their first housing development. This much-needed affordable housing will be a real boost to the surrounding area in difficult economic times and we look forward to providing high-quality homes for Cestria’s customers.”

Plans will be submitted to Durham County Council’s planning department for approval on January 30^th and, if approved, development is expected to start May 2012.