Stockton Council have granted planning permission to Thirteen Housing Group for the construction of 37 new homes to be built at Thornaby on the site of two existing tower blocks, Anson House and Hudson House.

Our scheme will provide Thornaby with high quality affordable homes which meet local needs. The site is very well connected due to its proximity to the main Mitchell Avenue on one side and is bounded by the adjacent Thornaby Primary School and existing housing to the other sides. The layout of the scheme is therefore arranged to connect into the existing street network and designed to provide a strong streetscape and sense of place with a mix of single and two storey traditional brick built homes.

To uphold the high standard of housing that Thirteen require, the continued maintenance and refurbishment of the existing tower blocks was deemed unviable and there was an opportunity for the landlord to create a new development with a real sense of place which is sustainable for the changing needs of the local population. The scheme also offers adaptability of accommodation to encourage ongoing occupation with the added benefit of new landscaping to form a real community.

There has been an intense period of public consultation with the local community, made more challenging by the restrictions of the Covid-19 outbreak, but the feedback received was in full support of the vision and plans for the site, particularly in relation to the retention of the existing trees, landscaping and pedestrian links.

All the homes will be for affordable rent and include a mix of two, three and four bedroom houses and bungalows. Thirteen Group’s Chief Executive added, “We’re really pleased this scheme has been given the green light and we’re looking forward to working with Stockton Council and Homes England as well as other partners, to deliver these fantastic new homes in the heart of Thornaby.”

“After a long period of planning and positively supporting our customers in both Anson House and Hudson House, we’re pleased the project is moving to the next phase. Asking people to leave their homes is not something we wanted to do but sometimes the outcome is better and we’re proud that all our residents have now moved from the tower blocks into new homes after an incredible 20 months of teamwork.”