WORK to build 20 homes in a rural County Durham community has begun after developers confirmed that they had finalised how the properties would look.

Believe housing’s 20 home scheme at Wolsingham, in Weardale, is now underway by construction partner Imperator Developments - providing much-needed affordable housing and help to support local services and businesses, according to housing partners.

Sitting on Durham Road, at the eastern edge of the village, the homes will be built of coursed sandstone with slate appearance roofs, so they will fit in with existing homes in Wolsingham.

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County Durham-based housing association believe housing will make seven two-bed houses and two bungalows available for affordable rent, through the Durham Key Options letting service.

And for people and families struggling to get a foot on the property ladder, 11 three-bed houses will be available under the Rent to Buy scheme which enables customers to pay a lower rate of rent so they can save to buy their home after five years.

Bill Fullen, chief executive of believe housing, said: “We are committed to providing the right homes, in the right places and creating thriving communities where people want to live.

“This development may only be for 20 homes, but we think it will have a hugely positive impact on the area.

The Northern Echo: Durham County Councillor John Shuttleworth, Managing Director of Imperator Developments Jason Wylie and Chief Executive of believe housing Bill Fullen at a new affordable housing site in Wolsingham, County Durham. Picture: BELIEVE HOUSINGDurham County Councillor John Shuttleworth, Managing Director of Imperator Developments Jason Wylie and Chief Executive of believe housing Bill Fullen at a new affordable housing site in Wolsingham, County Durham. Picture: BELIEVE HOUSING

“It will give more people who want to live and work in this fantastic rural community the opportunity to rent or buy a high-quality home here.

“The new residents will support local amenities, there will be economic benefits during construction and we’re also contributing financially towards open space, school places, biodiversity and footpath improvements.”

When a Durham County Council planning committee unanimously approved the scheme in January 2022, councillors said there was a great demand for affordable housing and the scheme’s design was sympathetic to the area.

Durham Council Councillor John Shuttleworth, who represents Weardale and is cabinet member for Rural Communities and Highways, visited the site recently to mark the start of work.

Councillor Shuttleworth added: “It is always good to see affordable housing being developed in villages such as Wolsingham.

“It’s important that we support people to remain in our rural communities if we want them to continue to be vibrant places.

“These particular properties have been designed to fit in with the local setting in terms of their design and the materials used, which is crucial for developments like this.”

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