County Durham housing project revives ‘derelict’ site
The Weavers Close development in Peterlee, undertaken by not-for-profit housing association Believe Housing, has transformed the neglected Stephenson Road area with 59 affordable homes.
There was ‘significant’ interest in the properties, with 157 bids for 26 homes available for affordable rent and over 650 registrations for the 33 Rent to Buy homes.
Weavers Close (Image: believe)
One resident shared how moving to the new development has positively impacted her and her daughter’s health.
She said: “My daughter has chronic illnesses, and I suffer really badly with PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
“Our new home is just perfect; itβs taken a burden off our minds, and weβre both feeling so much better.
“Itβs exactly what we needed.”An aerial view (Image: believe)
The development is not just providing much-needed homes but is also contributing to the local economy.
According to research, every pound spent on new social housing generates an estimated Β£2.84 in the wider economy.
Kate Abson, director of assets and development at Believe Housing, said: “Our investment here boosted local jobs and businesses during construction and will continue to benefit the area long term, enhancing the community and supporting growth.(Image: believe)
“Weβre proud to hear how happy and healthy our customers feel in their new homes and look forward to continuing to develop sites like this in the future; providing more of the homes people need, where theyβre needed, and regenerating communities.”
The project has drawn praise from Easington MP Grahame Morris, who visited the site in 2022 and again last year when residents were moving in.
He said: “Believe Housing are at the forefront of delivering high-quality social housing to buy and rent in east Durham.
Read more:Β
“The Weavers Close scheme demonstrates the power of social housing, not only regenerating a once derelict site into a thriving community but also delivering homes that improve the health, wellbeing, and opportunities available to local residents.
“I commend Believe Housing for their dedication to delivering affordable housing in east Durham, and I look forward to seeing more developments like Weavers Close in the years ahead.”
The project has also marked other significant milestones for Believe Housing, with the first home of a couple, Courtney Wallace and Connor Jackson, being the 1,000th new build home delivered by the housing association.