Build to Rent developer – Placefirst – has released the first glimpse of its proposed housing development of 90 new homes in Esh Winning, six miles west of Durham city centre.
The £11m proposal will include the development of 55 bungalows which are in high demand in the area. Exact details of the development will be announced in April 2021 when the formal planning application will be submitted.
Led by North West-based Placefirst – alongside architect POD Newcastle and landscape architect Southern Green, the proposal is for a two-hectare site on the western edge of the village which has been vacant for over 10 years.
The proposed development will regenerate a former housing site, creating a sustainable Build to Rent neighbourhood of high-quality bungalows and three-bedroom family homes. Existing landscape features will be integrated where possible as well as extensive new open space and landscape proposals.
The village benefits from good amenities, transport links and excellent access to the countryside – making it the ideal place for young and older families alike to settle.
Public consultations are open until 26 March and Placefirst is working collaboratively with Durham Council on the plans. The planned development represents Placefirst’s continued commitment to the family Private Rented Sector within the North East.
It is hoped Esh Winning will follow in the footsteps of other successful Placefirst schemes in the North East – such as ‘The Green’, a radical transformation of three streets of Victorian houses in Hartlepool. This is complemented by a major development of 116 homes in Hetton-le-Hole in Sunderland – which is due to be completed by the end of 2021.
“We’re excited to be providing a first glimpse of our vision for the Esh Winning development, which will inject life back into this area of the village, creating an inter-generational community for families to enjoy. We are confident that it will build on our success within the North East region where we are establishing a positive foothold.
“We have a proven track-record of regenerating areas and turning them into places people love to live and are excited about the transformation we’ll make to this area of Durham through this ambitious, community-focussed development. Our team look forward to announcing further details surrounding the scheme when we submit our full planning application later this Spring.”
David Mawson, Chief Executive, Placefirst
