Work to improve existing council homes and provide new housing for rent and sale in the Cockerton area of Darlington has officially opened after getting the go-ahead from Darlington Council's planning department.

The multi million pound project has so far seen major investment in council housing in the Cockerton area. Work is due for completion in March on the refurbishment of 142 council homes – the work is funded by money the Council receives from council housing rent. Work has included new kitchens, bathrooms, heating systems, doors and outside works such as roofs and parking areas.

The next major phase of works now approved by planners will see £6 million invested in the development of new housing in the area. Planning permission has been granted by Darlington Council to construction company Esh Group for the demolition of 76 one and two-bedroom council flats and small number of family homes to make way for 84 new family homes. The majority of the 84 new homes will be available for rent from Endeavour Housing Association, part of the North Star Housing Group, and the remainder for sale. The works will also see new play areas and green spaces developed in the area, improved links to West Park and the possibility of developing the Nickstream Lane shopping area.

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The development work is being funded by Esh Group along with a £900,000 grant awarded to the Council and Esh Group by the Homes and Communities Agency after a successful funding bid with support from Endeavour Housing Association, who will own and mange the properties on completion.

The project is expected to bring jobs to the area as building work progresses and developers are keen to work with local businesses which may be able to act as trade suppliers to the project.

Veronica Copeland, Darlington Council’s Cabinet Member for housing, said: "The regeneration work at Cockerton will see the area developed for today’s lifestyle – family houses available for rent and sale with good, well planned local amenities and links.

"The major financial investment in the project is a huge boost in confidence for our Borough and something we should all take pride in – to know developers want to invest their money here is wonderful news.

"The fact this investment could bring with it jobs for local people and opportunities for local businesses is also welcome news for our economy."

(CD/GK)