Seaham site to house new beginnings

A new housing scheme in County Durham is set to transform disused land into much-needed affordable homes.

Durham County Council has begun work on the Portland Avenue Housing Development, in Seaham, which will see 33 council properties built as part of a wider programme to deliver 500 affordable homes across the county. 

The scheme, supported by Homes England and funded through the government’s Affordable Homes Programme, is being delivered by Bishop Auckland-based T Manners & Sons.

Simon Manners, managing director of T Manners & Sons Ltd, said: “We’re delighted to be working on this important project with Durham County Council.

“Start on site for this scheme, as part of the council’s programme to build 500 new homes, is the culmination of over 12 months of work, securing planning approval and working with the council’s project team, to design these high-quality homes.

“Since becoming the council’s delivery partner for this new build programme, the entire T Manners team has been eager to get the first scheme on site, to demonstrate the high quality and partnership working approach that embodies the company.”

Officials say the new houses and bungalows will achieve the highest energy efficiency rating, cutting bills for residents while boosting the area’s housing stock. 

Councillor Joe Quinn, Durham County Council Cabinet member for resources, investments and assets, added: “We’re happy to see that work is now taking place on this vacant site with the construction of these 33 affordable houses.

“We’re aware that affordable properties are in high demand across the county and hope that this work demonstrates our commitment to meeting that demand. 

“This is just the first development of many that will boost our affordable provisions.”

The authority expects the first properties to be ready by the end of 2026.

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