A HOUSEBUILDER has started work on a development it says will create jobs and pump £35m into the region’s economy.

Chapter Homes is overseeing the 125-home Eden Field project, in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

Bosses at the organisation, formed by Durham County Council to revitalise unused authority land and improve the area’s housing stock, say the move will create 15 jobs, secure 18 work placements and preserve more than 20 apprenticeships.

Construction at Eden Field is expected to take two years, with Gentoo Tolent, a joint venture between the North-East’s Gentoo Construction and Tolent Construction, overseeing work on the two, three and four-bedroom homes.

Councillor Jan Blakey and Councillor Eddie Tomlinson officially cut the first sod on the site, which bosses say will include 12 affordable properties.

Councillor Blakey, council chairman, said: “We’re delighted to be able to officially break ground on what we hope will be the first of many sites.

“We intend to provide our ongoing support to the construction industry in the county, by playing a more active role in delivering a high-quality product, and ensure investment, jobs and training opportunities, which benefit local communities the most.”

Councillor Tomlinson, cabinet member for assets, housing and rural issues, who is also chairman of Chapter Homes’ board, reiterated the desire to make the venture a success across the region.

He added: “We hope Chapter will see significant benefits for the people of County Durham.

“Potential buyers will have more choice and the county will be better equipped to meet the rising need for local housing, especially private rented accommodation, where there is a known shortage.

"This approach will also allow us to turn unused council land into welcome extra income that can be put towards services.”

Paul Webster, managing director at Gentoo Tolent, added: “This was a fantastic contract win for Gentoo Construction when we were appointed sole contractor in 2015 and we look forward to building a great relationship with Chapter Homes.”

Upon Chapter’s formation, officials identified four possible development sites, with Eden Field picked out alongside another Aycliffe base, the former Civic Centre, in Chester-le-Street, and Oakerside Drive, in Peterlee, east Durham.