HUNDREDS of houses in Stockton face demolition as part of a major regeneration scheme in the area.

Stockton Borough Council has adopted its plan for the Parkfield district following extensive consultation in the community.

The council says it intends to replace poor quality housing, for which there is little or no demand, and improve the surrounding areas.

Up to 400 homes could be built in the project, together with facelifts to hundreds of other properties.

Over the next 15 to 20 years, Parkfield could see up to £40m in investment, with the first signs of development starting next year.

The first phase of the work will begin in the Alliance Street and Hind Street area.

With only a few properties still to be acquired in that area, a planning application to build 114 homes is expected later this month.

The new housing will be available for private sale, rent, or on a shared equity basis, providing an opportunity for existing Parkfield residents to buy into their own homes at an affordable price.

In the meantime, the council has arranged relocation packages for Parkfield residents.

The north area, up to Dovecot Street, will be the first to be tackled, with 190 properties around Tarring Street and Webster Close, along with commercial sites facing on to Yarm Lane, to be cleared.

In their place, up to 130 homes will be built, for sale and rent, over the next three to four years.

Consultation continues regarding the future of the area south of Yarm Lane, where work would not begin for another four or five years.

Neighbourhood management board chairman and Parkfield resident, Alex Bain, said: "The north area plans provide a significant opportunity for change in the local housing conditions.

"We will be working closely, both with the council and local residents, to ensure the scheme is successful and that disruption to residents is minimised.

"We are really pleased with the successful initiatives implemented so far, which includes a facelift scheme in and around Walter Street and the work due to commence in the Trinity Street area, environmental improvements and the implementation of the phase one housing scheme in Alliance and Hind Street."