A development of 63 new affordable homes in Bellingham, Northumberland has been given the go ahead after planning permission was granted last week.

Karbon Homes will progress with plans to bring the homes to the Bellingham Mart site in the centre of the village, made up of 14 bungalows, 14 apartments, 15 houses and 20 care ready supported housing apartments.

The £12m development will provide much-needed affordable housing in the area which will be available for affordable rent, rent to buy, and shared ownership for older people.

Vince Walsh, Development Manager at Karbon Homes, said: “We’re really pleased to have secured planning for this new development and look forward to progressing forward in the coming months.

“Providing more affordable homes in rural communities like Bellingham is something we’re really passionate about.

“We often find that families are being priced out of areas where their parents and grandparents have lived, and that accessible, retirement living options aren’t as readily available in rural areas, so it’s vital for the local area that we can provide these homes in such an excellent location.”

The development is a part of Karbon’s £131.5m strategic partnership with Homes England, to develop 2,200 much-needed affordable homes across the North East and Yorkshire.

Due to the rural status of Bellingham, these new homes will contribute towards Karbon’s pledge to develop at least 10% of the 2,200 funded homes in rural communities.

The development has also secured a grant from the North of Tyne Combined Authority, which supports the development of brownfield sites across the region.

North of Tyne Combined Authority Deputy Mayor Norma Redfearn CBE hailed the scheme. Mayor Redfearn, who is NTCA Cabinet Member for Housing, Land and Development and is the Elected Mayor of North Tyneside Council, said: “This development is great news for Bellingham and will have a positive impact on residents across the region.

“It will revitalise the old Auction Mart into affordable homes – creating new jobs and new opportunities in the process. As the NTCA’s Housing lead, I’m pleased we could help to transform this empty site and invest in this proud community.”

Vince added: “We hope the community will welcome access to good quality, affordable housing in the area. From first-time buyers to those looking to downsize, we’re confident this development will meet the needs of local people.”

Work is planned to start in autumn 2022.  Find out more about NTCA’s Brownfield Housing project here.