A SCHEME to provide affordable homes for local villagers is about to take shape.

Three Rivers Housing Group is behind the plans for a £1.8m family housing development, in Witton Gilbert, near Durham.

Giant leaps in house prices have taken some accommodation out of the price range of many potential buyers, particularly those looking to take a first step on the housing ladder.

The scheme will see 14 modern homes developed in the Roselea area of the village, all to be made available to rent at affordable rates.

They will be a mix of three-storey semi-detached and linked properties, with one detached house to accommodate a larger size family.

Residents will have easy access to shops, schools, health centre and other amenities.

Peter Gavin, Three Rivers chairman, said: "We're excited and delighted to be working with the local authority to bring affordable housing to families in Witton Gilbert.

"It's a great village, and we're confident this new development will help to ensure the local community continues to be sustainable in the long term."

Durham City Council, which has been keen to improve housing provision in Witton Gilbert, put the site forward for development after becoming aware of demand for affordable accommodation.

A Government grant of almost £1m, via the Housing Corporation, is helping to bankroll the scheme, along with private funding from Three Rivers.

It will enable the project to be developed on what is classed as a brownfield plot, which requires substantial engineering work to create level access on a severely sloping site.

City council leader Fraser Reynolds, a local member for Witton Gilbert, said it should enable some people to remain in the village who may, otherwise, have had to move away to find suitable housing.

"We are concerned that local people are finding it more and more difficult to access affordable homes, both within Witton Gilbert and in other parts of the Durham city area.

"By working in a partnership such as this, we are able to make a difference to local families."

Three Rivers expects the Roselea scheme to be completed by March next year.