CONSTRUCTION has started on a development site injecting £12m into the area.

Housebuilder Keepmoat Homes, has begun work in Darlington transforming a former stable site.

More than 80 homes are being built in Red Hall, including two and three-bedroom family homes.

Ian Prescott, Land and Partnerships Director for Keepmoat Homes said: “We will be delivering a brand-new house type range which allows for easy adaption and alteration as resident needs change over time. Our aim is to leave a positive and lasting legacy in the neighbourhood and set a new bench mark for volume house builder design."

The new builds will include on plot parking, accessible WC’s which are capable of conversion to shower rooms and wide stairways to allow for chair lifts.

The housing site on McMullen Road was given the go-ahead in October last year by Darlington Borough Council, it is one of ten in the country which has been selected for the Healthy New Town initiative. The NHS initiative aims to improve the wellbeing of residents in new and regenerated communities.

Hilary Hall, project manager for Healthy New Towns Darlington, said: "This is a major boost for Red Hall and the wider community - which is set to benefit greatly from not only the additional housing but also the Healthy New Towns initiative, which will improve the wellbeing of residents for years to come"