PLANS have been unveiled for major housing developments on two town sites.

Kier Housing has applied to Durham County Council for outline permission to develop about 290 homes on Seaham’s Station Road and in Malvern Crescent sites.

The application is part of a wider masterplan that takes into account the former Seaham School of of Technology site on Burnall Drive.

A large area of open space and landscaping will be provided between the two sites and will enhance the main pedestrian link into the town centre.

Deneside ward councillor Eddie Bell said: “I know it has been coming up for some while. It is on area of land which has been earmarked for mixed housing for some considerable time. We looking forward to it coming to help regenerate the Deneside area.”

Seaham ward councillor Sue Morrison said: “There are 140 homes proposed for the old school site and there is an outline application for Station Road.

“In terms of additional housing I am sure it is going to be a welcome development, although I imagine there will be some concerns from local residents about how it will be implemented.”

A Kier spokesperson said: “We’ve recently put in a planning application for new homes on the site of a former colliery at Seaham, which includes a number of affordable homes and will provide much-needed new housing for the area.

“Kier is committed to giving back to the local communities we operate in and we will be offering a number of training and employment opportunities throughout the build, including apprenticeships.”