Funding released for Darlington housing. Council urged to prioritize affordable homes in the new development near Coniscliffe Road.
They want to build 70 to 90 homes there, with houses having three to five bedrooms. A council member wants affordable options, believing that everyone deserves access. He said affordable housing should be everywhere, not just in certain areas. He wants the council to turn words into action and really make it happen.
The council owns the land, about 14 acres and the plan allows for development there. However, there aren’t good roads leading to it yet. Luckily, some neighbors agreed to sell their land, which will help the council with access.
The plan is for a mix of houses, likely three to five-bedroom detached homes although this could all change later, depending on the official planning process.
A partner, Homes by Esh, will study the project and then submit a planning application. If approved, the council will buy the needed land, using money from their Investment Fund. The council will then get money from selling to the partner.
More info is coming in a future report, with the exact number of houses detailed at that point. They also plan an agreement with Homes England.
This new housing area will help meet demand and build thousands of new homes because waiting lists for houses are currently very long. Last year, they approved 475 homes nearby. But some locals worry about schools, traffic, shops, and doctor’s offices.