Proposal to move old business and build new houses on edge of Sedgefield

Hardwick Properties hopes to build around 70 new homes on the Turners garage site, east of Salters Lane on the outskirts of Sedgefield.

Its proposals will see the existing garage, taxi operation and vehicle rescue fleet move nearby to new purpose-built premises, to be built by Hardwick Properties.

A spokesman for the project said all existing jobs would be maintained and transferred to the new premises.

The development team made a presentation about the scheme to Sedgefield Town Council on Monday night.

They will hold a public consultation event to share their plans for the Salters Lane site with nearby residents, and seek their views, later this month.

Jeff Pike, of Hardwick Properties, said it has worked closely with Turners for 18 months developing the proposals.

He said: “The existing building on the site was designed for a car dealership.

"This is no longer in use and the accommodation does not meet the needs of Turners’ businesses.

“Turners will move to a new bespoke facility which allows them to better serve their existing contracts without disruption.

"Our proposals will support this ambition whilst providing new homes on brownfield land after Turners have relocated.”

Whilst the exact number of units and housing mix is yet to be defined, Hardwick Properties expect it the plan to include around 70 units comprising of a mix of properties including two, three and four bedroom houses.

The developer said it is also exploring the option of putting retirement properties on the site.

Mr Pike said: “A key design aim is to create a strong frontage onto Salters Lane and we are keen to ensure that this is achieved whilst being sympathetic to, and in keeping with the character of existing residential development in Sedgefield.”

The development team urges members of the community to attend and engage in a consultation event they will hold on Wednesday, October 18, between 2pm and 7pm, at the Manor House, on West End.