A HOUSEBUILDER has unveiled plans to erect hundreds of North-East homes.

Miller Homes says it will start developments in Darlington, Sunderland and North Tyneside this year.

The firm will build 250 properties on eight existing sites in 2016, with a further 50 going up at its three new bases.

Bosses added the move will deliver at least 15 apprenticeships

The company, which has offices in North Shields, North Tyneside, says it three new developments will include homes in Middleton St George, near Darlington, which will see 67 houses built by 2020.

In Sunderland, the business plans to construct 128 two, three, four and five-bedroom properties on the Scholars Gate development, while at Heritage Green, in Backworth, near Whitley Bay, it aims to put up 150 homes over the next five years.

Patrick Arkle, Miller Homes’ North-East operations director, said the company is in a position to take advantage of a strengthening housing market.

He said: “Work has been going on behind the scenes for a number of months to bring these new developments to fruition.

“With our commitment to creating quality new homes that are built to the highest standards in desirable locations, we are confident they will provide much-needed homes in the North-East.

“This investment demonstrates our pledge to housebuilding and confidence the market is continuing to show steady signs of growth, which has been helped by initiatives, such as the Government-backed Help to Buy scheme and introduction of the Help to Buy ISA.

“From a wider economic perspective, we will also be supporting jobs in the North-East and over the next five years we expect to employ at least 15 apprentices across our developments in the region.”

Miller Homes is overseeing a number of developments across the region.

They include The Meadows, in Framwellgate Moor, near Durham City, Clairville Grange, in Middlesbrough, and Wheatlands Chase, in Redcar.