New Sedgefield homes underway following major Durham Council investment

Plans for 71 new homes in Sedgefield have been approved by Durham County Council.

Planning officers had recommended approval for new homes at the Turners garage site, east of Salters Lane.

The development will see the existing garage and vehicle rescue fleet move to new purpose-built premises, nearby in Fishburn.

Jeff Pike, of developer Hardwick Properties, said that the scheme will provide ‘substantial’ benefits to the local community.

These include seven affordable homes; a £466,448 contribution towards education, £151,397 to improving off-site open space and recreational provision, as well as £38,740 to improving local healthcare facilities.

Mr Pike said: “The redevelopment of the Turners site will significantly improve the appearance of this main route, close to the heart of Sedgefield, and we are pleased the benefits of the scheme were recognised by council members on Thursday.”

Hardwick Properties worked closely with the Newcastle office of national planning and development consultancy Lichfields.

Chris Smith, senior planner at Lichfields, said: “The development will result in a previously developed site being re-used to provide new homes whilst also delivering a wide range of long lasting benefits to both Turners and the local community.”

Plans for new purpose-built premises to accommodate the Turners’ businesses on the Fishburn Industrial Estate are currently being considered by Durham County Council and are expected to be approved in the next few months.

It is expected that the existing garage and vehicle rescue fleet will move to Fishburn before the end of 2018.