New Development Takes Shape in Cotherstone » Housing » 24dash.com

LOCAL SCHOOL children have been invited to take part in Teesdale Housing Associations first new property development at Cotherstone, Teesdale.

Over the coming weeks, children from Cotherstone County Infants and Junior School will take part in the construction of a new dry stone wall which will surround the development of eight self contained terraced homes in the village.

The eight new houses are part funded by the Housing Corporation within the National Affordable Homes Programme and will be occupied by residents from the village or those with a local connection with four of the properties offered for shared ownership sale and four used for rent.

Chair of Teesdale Housing Association, Linda Bird, said: Teesdale Housing Association is proud that within the first three years of operation it has been able to develop affordable new homes for the people of Teesdale. We are now able to offer new homes in a prime location in the popular village of Cotherstone.

Consultation with Cotherstone residents demonstrated overwhelming support for this development and in response to their feedback we have upgraded the properties to include stone cladding and improved car parking.

These properties will be an asset for Cotherstone and the people of Teesdale.

Teesdale Housing Association is part of the North Star Housing group and owns around 900 properties in the Teesdale area with the aim to provide affordable high quality rural housing for the area.

Following a recent visit to the site, pupils and teachers from the school became interested in the developments use of eco and conservation techniques to create homes using renewable energy sources.

By gaining level 3* status in the Code for Sustainable Homes, Teesdale Housing Associations development at Cotherstone will be at least 25% more energy efficient than building regulations standards, taking a major step towards achieving the governments requirements for zero carbon homes by 2016.

Group Development Manager for North Star Housing Group, Barrie Westbrook, said: The high levels of insulation within the properties and the use of solar panels will ensure that residents benefit from lower fuel bills.

In addition, the sensitive use of materials will ensure that the development fits into the character of the village.

Teesdale Housing Association is currently asking the local community to come up with ideas for naming the development and suggestions can be sent to Jonathan Carver at Teesdale Housing Association on 01833 694408.