PLANS to build 461 homes on two sites in Sedgefield have been submitted to Durham County Council.

The ESRG group has applied for outlining planning permission to build 218 homes, including executive, family and affordable properties, and a 60-bed retirement complex at Beacon Lane.

It proposes building a further 243 homes, including 60 retirement apartments, on land off Salters Lane.

The sale of these homes would help to fund further community facilities, including a business hub and new education, health and training facilities, such as a GP or dentist surgery.

Last month, the plans received a mixed reaction at a public consultation event and ESRG has since revised the scheme to take into account some of the views expressed.

Revisions include incorporating 11 bungalows and introducing additional facilities for younger people.

David Evans, director of the ESRG Group, said: “At the public consultation it was decided that one of the large retail blocks would become a youth community centre facility that would include a climbing wall, internet cafe and laser tag zone.”

He added: “Our proposals have the potential to create future jobs, quality homes and community facilities that can deliver significant benefits, through healthcare and employment training provision, for Sedgefield residents.”

The plans were designed with support from Gradon Architecture and Haylock Planning and Design.

Residents can still submit views about the development at advantagesedgefield.co.uk