Eskdene Rise, Hetton-le-Hole
86 affordable homes including two bedroom bungalows and apartments and a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes for affordable rent, and shared ownership.
Previous attempts to gain planning approval on the site in 2014 and 2017 were unsuccessful. Our structured pre-application consultation process with all relevant parties was key to unlocking the site’s potential and achieving a deliverable scheme.
Through this process, several elements were refined, including the tree management plan and drainage strategy. Further discussions with Karbon Homes ensured alignment on highways, planting, street lighting, Sustainable Urban Drainage, and parking, with careful consideration given to long-term service charge, sinking fund, and operational cost planning.
This collaborative, detail-led approach helped shape a scheme that is technically robust, aligned with key requirements, and focused on delivering high-quality homes that support everyday living, now and into the future.
As a considerate contractor, we take responsibility for how we build and where we build, focusing on sustainability, strengthening local connections and respecting existing neighbourhoods. The development was therefore delivered in line with the Considerate Constructors Scheme, with a focus on maintaining safe, respectful and well-managed site operations.
Key measures included:
- Controlled delivery times, with no vehicle movements or material deliveries outside agreed working hours
- A traffic management plan to manage site access and reduce impact on surrounding roads
- Wheel wash facilities and regular road sweeping to control dust and keep local highways clean
- Monitoring of dust levels throughout the construction phase
- Communication with the local community was prioritised, with site signage displayed at key points outlining ongoing activities and planned works affecting nearby roads or pathways.
- A dedicated contact number was made available for queries, along with out-of-hours contact details for emergencies.
- All public interactions, including queries and complaints, were logged and addressed through a formal tracking process.
- Site operatives received regular toolbox talks and inductions, reinforcing expectations around conduct and respect for the local community.
- Where possible, subcontractors and suppliers were drawn from the North East, supporting local employment. The scheme is estimated to have created up to 100 construction jobs.
This scheme reflects the way we approach delivery across all our projects. A focus on getting the fundamentals right, building with care and being clear, honest and consistent in how we work from start to finish.
At our Chilton Moor development, that meant delivering high-quality homes that are practical, well considered and built to last, with everyday living in mind. It also meant staying mindful of the wider community and the long-term value of the place being created, ensuring the homes will continue to support people and neighbourhoods well into the future.
Chilton Moor is located in Houghton le Spring, the former mining village in Tyne and Wear. The area is close to the Tyne and Wear/County Durham county boundary.
