1 December 2015
Developers have decided to retain five substantial self build plots in plans for a new housing scheme in north east England – after originally earmarking more than three times as many.
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The Banks Group has been progressing its comprehensive proposals for the Mount Oswald development since they were approved by Durham County Council in 2013, and has now submitted an application to amend its original layout in light of its experiences on site over the last two years.
The updated masterplan for the former manor and golf course site sees the number of self build plots reduced from sixteen to just five – this is to allow the central area to be opened up to create a public park and better connectivity between the northern and southern housing areas while still allowing self build homes to be built in the south east corner.
Each plot is at least 0.25 acres in size and it is understood that the self build part of the site will be designed by renowned architect, Peter Huf, who will aim to sensitively integrate the new buildings into the existing green landscape. Construction of the two-storey homes will each need to adhere to a code – currently being drawn up – specifying materials, exact sizes, positions within plot and boundary treatments.
Community facilities and local amenities including a new convenience store, University buildings and small offices are planned for the 60-home scheme. Both formal play spaces and informal open spaces are included in the plan, plus over 3.5 kilometres of new footpaths, and a new woodland in the central part of the site.
John Ruddick, senior property development manager at The Banks Group, said: “The importance of maximising the amount of green open spaces that are available to the public was stressed to us by many local people during our community discussions around the Mount Oswald site, and the changes we’re hoping to make will open up substantial new areas of mature parkland that we know will be welcomed and well used by local people.”
Further information on the self build plots is due to be be released in the New Year. Meanwhile, Durham-headquartered Banks is hosting an exhibition of its updated proposals between 3pm and 7pm on Monday 7 December in order to allow local people to see and ask questions about the changes that are being put forward.
