'Much-needed' affordable homes to help village
LDRSPlans for new affordable homes in a County Durham village have been approved.
Officials backed proposals for 32 social rent units at Greenwood Avenue in Burnhope, which councillors heard had been "neglected" leading to fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour problems.
Approving the application, Independent Alex Watson said: "Burnhope needs this development badly. It's a good development and much-needed."
The move is part of the coalition-led county council's programme to deliver 500 affordable homes across County Durham.
Burnhope is one of three sites, along with Seaham and Spennymoor, forming the initial stage of the programme, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Conservative Doug Oliver, whose Lanchester ward covers Burnhope, said: "The site on Greenwood Avenue has been neglected in recent years leading to fly-tipping and occasional arson and anti-social behaviour.
"The former housing that needed to be demolished about 15 years ago for structural reasons is still missed by locals.
"By developing the site it will help address both problems."
Burnhope Primary School said the new housing would help sustain the school by bringing more families into the area, ensuring its long-term viability and continued positive impact on the village.
Work is expected to start later this year.