The application for Sawmills Lane is for 107 new homes in a mix of bungalows and two-storey houses, which includes 11 different designs of two, three and four bedroom dwellings. All the homes are provided as affordable housing through a mix of shared ownership, rent to buy and affordable rent tenures.

The application follows two public consultations at the local Brandon Community Association Hall and a further online public consultation which drew almost 1,000 site visitors. In addition, pre-application consultation has also been carried out with Durham County Council.

The scheme will involve the demolition of the 121 homes currently on the site with a key element of the layout being the creation of a central landscaped strip (green spine). This will run along the length of the site to link the different parts, providing a pleasant outlook for properties and safe areas for children’s play and general social interaction.

The homes themselves have been designed to fit in with the surrounding residential neighbourhoods with simple detailing and modern window proportions. Each of the homes will benefit from air source heat pumps and it is likely that the majority of properties will benefit from PV panels.