Member Article

Cestria continues with ambitious development programme

Chester-le-Street housing provider, Cestria Community Housing’s development programme continues to go from strength to strength after the first phase of works on a new affordable housing scheme launched this week.

The £3.3m development called The Green in Nettlesworth, is the company’s fourth new housing scheme to get underway in the space of a year. The development replaces 18 one bedroom bungalows, that were outdated and in low demand, with high quality, modern new homes.

Development on the first phase, which lies to the north eastern edge of the village, will consist of eight two-bedroom bungalows and 16 two-bedroom homes. Durham County Council has already approved plans for a second phase of another 19 two-bedroom houses.

The development at Nettlesworth further strengthens Cestria’s commitment to the village with £600K worth of investment including the refurbishment of new kitchens and bathrooms and new roofs already successfully delivered.

The new energy efficient homes, which will be available for rent, have been designed to achieve the Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes level 3, Decent Homes standard and Secured by Design. The homes will include energy and environmental features such as rainwater harvesting, improved insulation in walls, windows and the roof and recycling waste management measures.

Trees, grass, shrub planting and curved brick feature walls will be integrated into the access and parking areas as well as gardens and open spaces. Car parking and visitor car parking spaces will be provided and all gardens will incorporate sheds, a bin storage area and clothes drying areas.

Grant allocation of £378K has been provided from the Homes and Communities Agency and the scheme will be developed by construction partner, Galliford Try Partnerships North.

Paul Fiddaman, Chief Executive of Cestria Community Housing, said: “This is a very exciting time for Cestria - last year we completed our first new build development at Crossleas in Sacriston and work commenced last month on a new development of 14 two bedroom homes at Primrose Crescent, in Bournmoor.

“In addition to The Green, we are also building The Elms, a specialist housing scheme for over 55s in the centre of Chester-le-Street, which will also get underway this week, which demonstrates our commitment of providing 239 new build properties by March 2017.

“We know that there is a real shortage of affordable housing in this area and so are pleased to be able to provide these much-needed, high quality homes for local families. We’re sure there will be high demand for these properties once they are completed.”

Karen Anderson, Area Manager at the Homes and Communities Agency said: “The continuing work by our partners is making a real difference to people in Co Durham. This rural scheme of 24 new homes for rent will ensure that homes remain affordable for local people. Our investment is helping Cestria meet their ambitious plans for new homes in the Chester-le-Street area.”

Stephen McCoy, Managing Director with the construction company on the project, Galliford Try Partnerships North East, added: “We are delighted to be working with Cestria on another initiative to improve the quality and choice of affordable homes in the area. Developments like this are important to our business and are becoming an increasing part of our work programme, which is something we welcome.”

Phase one of The Green is expected to be completed in the Spring 2015 with work expected to commence on phase two in the summer.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ailsa Macmillan .