WORK on controversial proposals for up to 1,700 homes in a North-East city could be underway by 2022, according to construction bosses.

Builders could be ready to move on to Sniperley Park, to the north of Durham, in just a few years – if the government approves wider development plans for County Durham as a whole.

But the final number of houses permitted on the 108-hectare-site could also be limited to just 350 if support cannot be gained for a new Western Relief Road, linking Sniperley with Broom Lane as an alternative to the A167.

Provision for the scheme is included in the County Durham Plan, a blueprint for the future of the county until 2035, which is under scrutiny by a government-appointed inspector at a series of public sessions at the Glebe Centre, in Murton.

“This plan has been some time in the gestation, 10 years approximately,” said Christopher Harrison, of County Durham Land, “that’s what gives us the confidence we can move quickly from examination to a planning application.

“Assuming the plan is adopted in summer next year, a planning application could be submitted at the beginning of 2021, there’s no reason work couldn’t begin in early 2022.

He said Persimmon, Miller, Bellway and Barratt had all expressed an interest.

“We’re in a fortunate position the land is under council control and they are a willing participant and in terms of house builders.

“The likes of Persimmon, Miller, Bellway and Barratt have all expressed interest, it’s possible one would act as master builder with others developing specific plots.”

In its current form, the County Durham Plan is expected to pave the way for about 5,500 new homes and up to 6,000 jobs in the county.

The policy, which will set guidelines for development of everything from homes and offices to roads and takeaways, was signed-off by Durham County Council earlier this year and sent to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for approval.

It is currently being assessed by a government-appointed planning inspector at a series of public sessions at the Glebe Centre, in Murton, where Mr Harrison was speaking today.

The inspector is expected to be ready to share his findings by early March, which could judge the plan legally sound, suggest changes, or send the council back to the drawing board.

Following further consultation, a final version will be presented to county councillors for approval and formal adoption by June or July (2020).