A consultation commences for a substantial housing plan in Newton Aycliffe, set to introduce 1,430 new homes to the area.

The focus is on the Copelaw site, designated for significant development as part of Durham County Council’s County Durham Plan, with ambitions to introduce approximately 1,430 new homes.

Initiating efforts to support this vision, the council has commenced upgrades to the nearby A167, investing £7.1 million sourced from the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund.

Now, the council is soliciting public opinion on a draft masterplan outlining the blueprint for housing, a new primary school, and other essential amenities on the site.

Councillor James Rowlandson, responsible for resources, investment, and assets, outlined the strategic approach, stating, “Copelaw is identified as a strategic housing site in our County Durham Plan, and we are approaching its development in a carefully planned way.”

He continued, “The draft masterplan proposes a layout for much-needed new housing, including affordable housing, housing for older people, and extra care provision, as well as a new primary school and local centre, which could have shops, cafes and hairdressers.”

County councillor for North Aycliffe and Middridge, Michael Stead, emphasized the opportunity for growth, saying, “There is a huge opportunity here for us to increase the number of residents using our town centre and to get some much-needed affordable housing too.”

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