Hundreds of homes could be built near new hospital

The homes would be on the same site as the town's new hospital

Initial plans to build homes near a new hospital have been submitted.

The proposals, for Derwent View in Consett, include 206 homes, 80 of which would be supported accommodation for the elderly.

Developer Project Genesis said the plans would help meet local housing targets.

The site already has outline planning permission for a mixed development as part of a wider regeneration project to build the new hospital.

Mike Clark, development director at Project Genesis, said the proposals were a "key step forward" for Derwent View and for Consett.

"Our plans will deliver high-quality homes and much-needed assisted living accommodation, while ensuring the hospital site is fully safeguarded and supported by the right infrastructure," Mr Clark said.

Initial groundwork to create the new Shotley Bridge Hospital started earlier this year.

The facility, which includes a 16-bed in-patient rehabilitation ward and urgent treatment centre, is expected to be completed by 2030.

The scheme was backed by the government in January after Health Secretary Wes Streeting announced it was within wave one of the revised New Hospital Programme.

A full planning application for the housing scheme is due to be submitted later this year.