Village regeneration housing plans submitted

The plans are part of a multimillion-pound scheme to regenerate the area

A council has submitted a planning application for about 100 homes as part of the redevelopment of a former mining village.

The proposals for the Third and Fifth Streets, along with the former Fourth Street, in Horden, near Peterlee in County Durham, are part of a £10.7m regeneration scheme.

The project includes a mix of affordable and market housing, and will involve the demolition of existing buildings.

Reform-led Durham County Council said current residents were being helped to find new homes.

Cabinet member for resources, investments and assets councillor Joe Quinn said approval of the plans would be a "big step forward" for the regeneration of the village.

"We hope they will kick-start further regeneration activity and help us to attract inward investment in the community," Quinn added.

Some residents previously said they were "heartbroken" at the idea of losing their homes.

The hybrid planning application seeks permission to pull down existing buildings.

It also includes a full planning application for 53 homes, along with associated works and an outline planning application for up to 52 further properties.

The affordable housing, which will be delivered, owned and managed by the local authority, is to include a mix of two, three, and four-bedroomed properties.

The regeneration proposals received £4.5m from the North East Combined Authority last September, on top of £6.2m already invested by the council.

It is part of the Horden Masterplan, which will also see the council looking into options for a new care facility, shops and business space.