BUILDING work is set to start on a new housing development in Sedgefield.

Tolent Homes’s outline application for the 100-home estate on the former Sedgefield Community Hospital site was approved following a public inquiry last year.

A planning inspector granted permission for the outline plan, associated landscaping, parking, demolition of existing buildings plus the detailed matter of access via the B1278, Salters Lane.

This month Durham County Council has granted full permission to the applicant and building of the development, named Hardwick Grange, is due to commence next month.

Regional director at Tolent Living, Allan Thompson said: “We see Hardwick Grange as an exciting opportunity to redevelop the former Sedgefield Community Hospital site.

“The Tolent Homes brand has been created to develop homes which meet the needs of today’s lifestyles, blending modern with classic designs.

“The new Tolent Homes will bring the best of our construction experience delivering well designed homes to a high quality and specification.”

The site regeneration will provide 90 “executive homes” for sale and ten affordable properties.

The North-East house builder expects the first homes to be completed by early 2019.