Plans approved for 116 new homes

Developers will create 116 new homes on an underused site.Durham Villages Regeneration Company (DVRC) is pushing ahead with the project to build a mix of two, three and four bedroom homes in the Parkside area of Seaham after planning permission was approved by Durham County Council.The Heathway development will see 105 homes for sale at market value, three at for sale at a 30% discount for qualifying buyers, and another eight homes for “affordable rent”.The DVRC – a joint venture between the council and Keepmoat Homes – is working with the County Durham Housing Group on the project.The partnership has now been operating for 15 years, and has invested more than £150million to create over 1,300 homes – around a quarter of which are for shared ownership or affordable rent.A profit-sharing agreement means millions has also gone into council coffers to help fund projects and services for people in County Durham.The Heathway initiative represents an investment by DVRC of around £16million and it is hoped that all the legal transfers can be completed in time to allow a start on site in the autumn.