Major Durham City residential development moving forward as housebuilders confirmed

Plans for a new high-quality residential development to the east of Durham City are set to move forward after the completion of a major deal between two leading housebuilders and the County Durham-headquartered developer behind the scheme.

Banks Property secured outline planning permission from Durham County Council for the Bent House Lane development last year and has since been working towards identifying the most appropriate housebuilders to take the project on.

The family-owned firm has now agreed deals with both Miller Homes and Barratt Homes, which will each develop around half of the 19.5-hectare site.

The Bent House Lane site, which was allocated for residential development in the County Durham Plan, will now see up to 500 family homes being built on land to the south of the A181 Sherburn Road between Gilesgate and the A1.

Alongside the new homes, the Bent House Lane scheme will also include the creation of around 3.5 hectares of public open space and a new network of footpaths and cycleways to link with nearby facilities, including the retail facilities at Dragonville and Damson Way and the National Cycle Route 14 to Durham City.

Over 60 jobs will be supported on site during the construction phase of the development, with significant contract opportunities being made available to local suppliers across a range of different areas.

Mark Dickenson, development director at Banks Property, says: “Homes, and especially family homes, are very much needed in Durham City, and we were very pleased with the level of support from local people, local councillors, community groups and organisations when we brought this project forward.”

“We have worked closely with both Miller Homes and Barratt Homes for many years, and it’s been a pleasure to be able to finalise the latest stage of our continuing relationship.”

John Jameson, area land director at Miller Homes, adds: “This latest development will provide much needed housing and investment in the local area which includes affordable housing.”

Neil Milburn, land and development director at Barratt Homes North East, says: “This exchange is fantastic news for both Barratt Homes and Durham house hunters because we’re one step closer to building a new and thriving community in a highly sought-after area close to Durham City Centre.”