Housebuilder Bellway has received detailed planning consent from Darlington Borough Council for the first phase of its new neighbourhood in the sought-after West End of Darlington.

The consent permits Bellway to build 428 homes on the 56-acre site off Staindrop Road. The development, to be called Baydale Village, will include 300 homes for private sale and 128 affordable homes.

This phase is part of a wider project to construct a neighbourhood of up to 985 properties, with proposed community facilities such as a GP surgery, a shop, sports pitches, and land allocated for a primary and early years school.

Mark Gabriele, Head of Land for Bellway Durham, commented that Baydale Village is the largest project yet undertaken by Bellway Durham and is a "landmark moment." He highlighted that the development will provide high-quality, modern, and energy-efficient homes, with 30 per cent of the properties designated as affordable homes for local people through low-cost rent, shared ownership, or the First Homes discounted sale scheme.

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The private homes will range from two- to five-bedroom designs and include 20 bungalows suitable for elderly purchasers or those with disabilities.

Work is anticipated to start on site in December 2025, with the first homes expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The project is set to deliver a significant boost to the local economy by creating jobs and supporting local businesses.

Baydale Village will feature extensive green open spaces and ponds. A commitment has been made to plant trees, mixed shrubs, and hedgerows to help provide wildlife habitats. Nest boxes, including swift boxes and sparrow/starling terraces, will be placed at more than 70 of the properties to increase the availability of nesting sites near open spaces.

Baydale Village will be built by Bellway Durham and Ashberry Homes North East, which is part of the Bellway Group.