We are pleased to announce that construction has begun on a development of bungalows on the former car park of the Iron Horse pub, located south to Newton Aycliffe town centre. The pub, which is owned by the UK’s largest pubic house owner El Group, sold the surplus land of the Iron Horse public house to Livin Housing Association, who have sought to develop an affordable housing scheme, with Gradon leading the design. Having successfully gained planning permission from Durham County Council, the Gradon team are now working in collaboration with contractors Tolent construction to deliver the scheme.

The design comprises of four contemporary semi-detached bungalows, set within a brownfield site and formed within an adjacent mirrored arrangement to allow for shared service access points across the development. The bungalows will be a mix of two and three bedroom layouts, with an open plan living and dining area and a separate kitchen to the rear with a generous WC with disabled access.

Newton Aycliffe is set to benefit from a number of large developments in the area, such as the recently announced £5million expansion as part of the Merchant Park industrial scheme. The design of a new leisure facility is also being led by Gradon and is near completion – The FishTank complex, a swimming pool and leisure hub which will function as an activity hub for local families and children. With the new facilities, affordable housing requirements have increased, and the Iron Horse scheme will join other housing developments in the area to relieve the demand.

Architectural Director Chris Allan said, “The development opportunity will further enhance the residential provisions in the Newton Aycliffe area. We have worked closely alongside our client, Livin, to ensure that their vision and brief requiring affordable housing has been fulfilled. We have been involved in several affordable housing schemes and strongly believe in working with local companies to deliver schemes which will benefit the people of the local area. We are delighted that work is now on-site and we look forward to the completion of the project!”

The development is set for completion in March 2020.