A LAND deal has cleared the way for work to begin on a multi-million pound project that could eventually bring 81 homes and a new community centre to a village.

Durham Villages Regeneration Company (DVRC) has taken over the site off Front Street, Sherburn Hill, near Durham, where it plans to build 81 two, three and four-bedroomed homes, having gained planning permission for the scheme last October.

The Pastures, as the new development will be called, will have 76 homes for sale and five for affordable rent; with the first available from this summer.

In addition, land on the site will be set aside for a new community centre, which will be part-funded by Durham County Council and project leaders hope will receive Lottery support – potentially up to £600,000.

A new village square will be created, a play area moved and some back streets upgraded and adopted.

DVRC is a partnership between the local authority and developers Keepmoat aimed at reviving former colliery villages by building homes on council-owned land.

Since it was founded 15 years ago, it has delivered £100m-worth of regeneration.

Ian Prescott, land and partnerships director at Keepmoat, said: “This project has been brought forward on the back of extensive consultation.

“We staged a series of meetings and displays, which ensured that local people were fully aware of and able to influence the development plan.

“It will bring much-needed affordable housing to the village, the area and the county.”

Councillor Neil Foster, the council’s cabinet member for economic regeneration, said: “By supporting the development of these new homes, the council not only continues its commitment to provide much-needed affordable housing but also the ongoing regeneration of our towns and cities across the county.

“Our involvement in projects such as these make sure that local communities feel the benefit of developments as well as investing more money into the local economy.”

Sherburn Hill has been without a community centre since the old one was closed following a damning health and safety inspection in 2012. It would have needed more than £1m-worth of improvements to bring it up to scratch.

Plans for a new £1.2m facility, agreed in 2008, were subject to DVRC funding and fell victim to the housing market collapse.

DVRC has pledged £400,000 to the new scheme.