PLANS are being made to build up to 230 houses on two fields on the outskirts of a village.

The application has been submitted to build the homes on land off Cockhouse Lane, in Ushaw Moor.

Developers Gladman is seeking outline planning permission for the scheme which would include up to 230 houses, offering a range of dwelling types, sizes and tenures to meet the housing needs of the area.

Up to 10 per cent of the homes would be classed as “affordable housing”

The site is around 8.59 hectares and is made up of two fields, currently being farmed.

The land is to the south of Cockhouse Lane and north of an a substantial area of woodland, which is part of the Deerness Valley local wildlife life.

An area at the bottom of the site would be left undeveloped.

The developers says the proposal is a “logical and carefully considered” extension to the village, which will ensure a sensitive transition between the built up area and adjacent countryside.

Their planning statement said: “As with any greenfield site, the development will introduce changes to the area and some urbanising effects.

“Care has been taken to ensure that the perceived impact on Ushaw Moor is minimised and acceptable, through careful design and siting, the provision of open space along the southern edge of the site, boundary planting and through taking a holistic approach to landscape provision at the site.”

As part of the scheme, around two hectares will be left open, with a variety of habitats, a children’s play area and footpaths, connecting the development with existing networks.

If approved, it is expected the build will take around 6 and a half years to build, will costs £36.5m and will support around 220 construction jobs.

Their statement adds: “The development would contribute to the economic role of the area by generating employment and tax receipts during construction.

In the longer term the local economy would benefit from the provision of housing for workers, investment in local infrastructure and services, additional expenditure on goods and services, from the new homes bonus and from additional council tax receipts.”

The NHS has requested that if the scheme goes ahead, a contribution of £158,700 should be given to invest in health care services to cater for the approximately 500 new residents.