Council House Build to Begin

The construction of 10 new council homes is due to get underway in South Tyneside.

Preliminary work to prepare the site at Hindmarch Drive, Boldon, has already started.

The development will provide a mix of houses, apartments and bungalows, all with two bedrooms and parking facilities. Nine of the properties will have a private garden.

All the homes will be A rated for energy consumption and will use energy efficiency measures including air source heat pumps, solar panels and battery storage. They will all have electric vehicle charging points.

The homes are being built through the Housing Revenue Account, following changes to the cap on borrowing limits and grant funding provided by Homes England, and as part of the council's five-year housing strategy.

Cllr Jim Foreman, Lead Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: "We're committed to meeting the borough's housing needs, now and in the future, in line with our ambition of creating strong communities where people live in sustainable, safe and connected neighbourhoods.

"Housing is a lot more than just bricks and mortar, it can change people's quality of life, which is why we're proactive about developing the kind of good quality, affordable homes local people want."

South Tyneside Homes is carrying out the construction works, which are expected to be complete early next year, and managing the development on behalf of the council.

Cllr Alison Strike, speaking on behalf of the three Boldon Colliery ward councillors Joanne Bell and Sandra Duncan, said: "We're delighted that the council is building much-needed homes for or communities again and we're over the moon to see this scheme get underway in our ward.

"This development is going to create much-needed, modern affordable accommodation that local people will be proud to call home."