A DEVELOPER is hoping to build up to 170 houses on a field in a village near Durham.

House building company Taylor Wimpey has put forward a planning application for the scheme for Bearpark.

It has proposed a scheme made up of two, three and four bedroom family homes on land to the north of Cook Avenue and south of Colliery Road.

All of the homes would be two-storeys and 20 per cent of the properties would be classed as affordable housing.

It would be built around the old chapel in Colliery Road, which has since been converted and would also have a “village green” area.

A statement, made on behalf of the developers, said: “The creation of additional homes in the location will act to increase the attractiveness of Bearpark as a place to live, and in turn boosting the local economy.

“In addition, residential development in this location will help to increase the attractiveness of the area to businesses, through the provision of a high quality place to live within easy commuting distance for a potential workforce.

“The creation of additional homes in the town will also act to enhance the local community in terms of boosting the support for local services such as shops, pubs and public transport routes and the creation of additional homes would ensure that residents are not required to move from the area to find affordable accommodation.”

The 6.4 hectare site, most of which is used for agriculture, is accessed from Colliery Road, and also has some industrial units, formerly used by Durham County Council.

The land previously had a series of terraces associated with Bearpark Colliery, which were demolished in the 1960s.

The developer says the scheme will create 47 jobs during construction, will boost the economy of Bearpark and will support businesses and amenities in the area.

The development would include 51 three-bedroom homes and 85 with four bedrooms, which would be available to buy on the market.

Of the affordable homes, 26 would be available to rent while a further eight would be available to buy at a discounted rate.

A consultation event was held by Taylor Wimpey last year, which was attended by around 40 members of the community.

To view the plans, visit Durham County Council’s planning portal, which can be accessed via www.durham.gov.uk.