A HOUSING association has received the go-ahead to build 16 affordable homes for older people in Darlington.

Railway Housing Association (RHA) will start work next month to build the two-bedroom bungalows in Barton Street, after receiving approval from Darlington Borough Council.

The new homes, which will be allocated to local people aged 60 and over, will be accessed via the Association’s development off Haughton Road.

The development will cost £2.24 million, which will include £651,000 grant funding from Homes England, the national housing and regeneration agency.

Anne Rowlands, chief executive of RHA, said: “When it is complete, it will bring the total number of homes we have built in the town over the last 18 months to 89, which is significant for an Association of our size.

“There is a real need for affordable homes for rent in Darlington; homes which meet the needs of a range of people, from young professionals and families through to older people seeking to downsize, so we are pleased to be making our own contribution to meeting this need.

“Work on the homes will begin in our centenary year and working with Darlington Borough Council we are committed to exploring further development opportunities as we enter our second century.”