Work is set to start soon on the redevelopment of the former Whitburn Lodge pub site, after Lovell acquired the land in Whitburn for a new residential project.

The development, named Laurel Gate, will deliver 32 homes, including eight affordable properties, and will contribute £42,000 toward biodiversity improvements. Lovell plans to build a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom houses, all fitted with PV solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.

Phil Jones, Director of Land and Partnerships for Lovell in the North East, said: "There has been a great deal of interest in our plans to deliver these houses.

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"We are happy to be able to forge ahead with our regeneration plans to take this derelict site and to transform it to provide additional homes and integrate with and enhance the existing community. The former pub has become something of a blot on the landscape and has attracted anti-social behaviour since it closed in 2012. The building programme should see us welcoming the first new residents onto the site in summer.

"The mix of homes is designed to meet the needs of the local housing market. There will be a range of properties which will provide homes for local people with different levels of affordability."

The eight affordable homes will include three for affordable rent, three for discounted market sale, and two available under the First Homes scheme.

Lovell's £42,000 contribution as part of the planning agreement will support biodiversity and environmental enhancements in the surrounding area, protecting wildlife habitats across the Durham Coast Special Area of Conservation and Northumbria Coast Special Protection Area.

Early bird reservations for homes at Laurel Gate are now open ahead of the development’s sales launch in spring.