A £10.7 million scheme to regenerate a County Durham village has reached a major milestone, as plans for more than 100 new affordable homes are given the green light.
A key part of Durham County Council’s plans to regenerate Horden’s Numbered Streets was approved by the local authority’s county planning committee.
Aimed at providing a mixture of properties, including affordable homes, the plans specifically relate to a 2.8-hectare site incorporating Third Street, Fifth Street, and the former Fourth Street.
The affordable housing, which will be delivered, owned and managed by the council, will include a mix of two, three, and four-bedroomed houses and two-bedroom bungalows.
It is part of a hybrid planning application, approved by the committee, that involves the demolition of existing buildings, a full planning application for 53 dwellings along with associated works and an outline planning application for up to 52 further dwellings.
Cllr Joe Quinn, Cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, said: “The approval of these plans represents an important step forward in efforts to regenerate Horden. Once complete, the scheme will offer a choice of high quality, well-designed and much-needed affordable homes for local people, with existing residents of Third and Fifth Street given priority.
“The new housing will also help to tackle issues associated with long-term empty homes and reflects our commitment to building vibrant and resilient communities across County Durham.
“Furthermore, we hope the investment we are making in Horden’s future will attract other investors and result in even more regeneration activities in the East Durham area.”
Durham County Council has invested £6.2 million into the delivery of the Horden Masterplan, a major regeneration programme developed in partnership with the community.
The North East Combined Authority has contributed a further £4.5 million from its Brownfield Housing Fund following an application by the council.
Delivery of the first phase of the Horden Masterplan was approved by the council’s Cabinet in January 2024 after receiving widespread support from the community during public consultation.
A comprehensive rehousing strategy has been developed for affected residents – both owner-occupiers and tenants – that seeks to identify suitable alternative accommodation where appropriate or to assist them in securing their own properties elsewhere.
