Playtime begins at council housing scheme

A County Durham social housing development is moving closer to completion.

Darlington Borough Council has completed the latest phase of its Neasham Road scheme, marking another milestone in its largest council housebuilding programme in decades.

Phase two delivers 13 new family homes, ranging from three to four bedrooms, alongside a newly opened inclusive play park for children aged two to 16.

The wider development will ultimately provide 150 council homes, helping meet local housing need while creating a family-focused neighbourhood.

Several of the new properties are available through Rent to Buy, offering residents a first step towards home ownership.

Designed with input from local children, the play area includes a broad mix of equipment to support physical, sensory and social play, with accessibility built in through wheelchair-friendly paths and inclusive features.

The scheme is being delivered with support from Homes England and in partnership with Homes by Esh, which is also building 155 homes for sale at the neighbouring Elder Brook Park development.

Councillor Matthew Roche, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for health and housing, said: “We’ve already seen more than 360 homes designed and built in-house by our housing and building services teams as part of our commitment to increase the number of affordable homes across the borough.

“This is a key part of our Council Plan, and these developments will help us reduce the number of people on our housing waiting list.

“I’m delighted that the latest phase at Neasham Road is now complete and that we’ve also been able to add the play area for younger residents to enjoy for years to come.”

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