Horden masterplan gets funding boost
Almost £4.5m of investment from the North East Combined Authority’s brownfield fund has been approved for the regeneration of the former mining village in East Durham.
The latest funding approved by Mayor Kim McGuinness and NECA is in addition to £6.2m already invested by Durham County Council and will be used for the construction of more than 100 two- and three-bedroom homes.
The Horden Masterplan is a regeneration programme that was launched in 2022 and approved by Durham County Council in January 2024, following consultations with the public.
The plans will see a range of houses and bungalows built and existing homes refurbished, as well as improved walking and cycling routes to Peterlee town centre, Horden train station, and the Durham Heritage Coast.
This latest investment will focus on the regeneration of homes known as ‘The Numbered Streets’, aiming to address the number of empty homes and private landlords in that area.
As part of the initial acquisition phase, the council is negotiating the purchase of properties in Third Street. A rehousing strategy is in place for affected residents, both owners and tenants.
This new funding will mean the council can extend these acquisitions into Fifth Street, potentially enabling the construction of more than 100 homes across Third, Fourth and Fifth Street.
The council is also exploring options to create a new care facility, shops and business space.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said: “As Mayor, I will not sit back and let villages and towns be overlooked, and let land sit idle, while waiting lists are getting longer and families are locked out of the housing they need.”
