CONSTRUCTION work is starting at a new residential development in the east Durham village of Wingate after planning approval was granted.

Bellway has permission to build 250 new homes at the site off High Grange Way in the village.

The development, known as Wellfield Rise, will include two, three and four-bedroom houses, including 25 affordable homes available through rent or shared ownership, alongside open space and a children’s play area.

The overall site, which spans nearly 46 acres, will include 20 acres of green open space to the south, as well as a green corridor through the northern part of the site and improved pedestrian and cycle links to the neighbouring Hart to Haswell Walkway, which lies along the route of a dismantled railway.

Bellway’s reserved matters application for the development was approved last month by Durham County Council.

As part of the planning agreement for the site, the housebuilder will make financial contributions to local services, including more than £715,000 for primary education, £369,000 for off-site recreation and sporting provision, £160,000 for improving public rights of way and £84,000 to improve cycle links.

With work now underway on site, the first homes at Wellfield Rise are expected to be released for sale next year.

Darren Pelusi, Sales Manager for Bellway Durham, said: “Our Wellfield Rise development will provide much-needed new homes for Wingate.

“Bellway is also investing more than £1 million in planning contributions to support the local community and upgrade infrastructure in the area.

“We will be working hard on construction on site throughout the winter and we’re expecting to release the first homes onto the property market in spring next year.

“Buyers will get the best of both worlds at Wellfield Rise with countryside and village amenities – including shops, businesses, schools and community facilities – on the doorstep, and easy access to nearby towns, cities and major road links such as the A19 and A1. It’s a great location for anyone seeking a new home in the region.”

To register for updates at Wellfield Rise or for more information about Bellway’s new homes in the area, visit bellway.co.uk.