A HOUSING association says it has invested more than £20m into homes across the region after delivering a 30- plus property scheme.

Karbon Homes has completed work on houses at Lonnin Gardens, in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, which bosses say means it has now delivered more than 200 affordable properties and gone beyond the milestone financial figure.

They added the operator, formed through a venture between Derwentside Homes, Newcastle’s Isos Housing and Cestria Community Housing, is now starting work on another 600 properties.

The association previously revealed plans to build 2,400 homes over the next four years, and Paul Fiddaman, chief executive, said he is happy with its progress.

He said: “I’m really pleased with the pace we’re setting, and the Pelton project is a great example of the approach we take.

“We have provided a smart new development of highspecification homes where residents can live comfortably.”

Mr Fiddaman began his career at Sunderland AFC, but moved into housing after joining the board of a social landlord while at the club.