38 homes planned for former Kays Hall Farm, Evenwood

Residents in Evenwood have until the week of 15 February to have their say on a proposal to build 38 homes in the village.A community consultation period is underway to give people the opportunity to comment on the redevelopment of land at Kays Hall Farm, which was demolished two years ago.It is anticipated that plans could be submitted to Durham County Council in the next month. If so, planning permission would be sought for a mix of two, three and four-bedroomed terraced, semi-detached and detached homes. The properties would be a mix of two storey homes and bungalows ­– some of which would be on the open market. Others would be affordable housing.A new access road from Raby Street is also being proposed. In recent years, the site has been described as a dangerous eyesore. Having attracted anti-social behaviour with youths, more than 500 people signed a petition in 2013 to get the owner to do something about the 17th century farmhouse, which was ready to collapse. The derelict property was eventually demolished in 2014 but the site has since remained vacant.The consultation document, which has been posted to residents, states this is an ideal opportunity to be able to provide a high-quality small-scale development.It also says the proposals would “boost the supply of housing” in the village, as well as supporting the social and economic needs, and sustainability of the community. The development would be the biggest housing plan in Evenwood since plans for 52 new properties in Shirley Close were approved by Teesdale District Council in 2008.