Stonebridge Homes brings jobs and economic boost to Barnard Castle

Around 150 jobs will be created during construction of almost 100 new homes in Barnard Castle, housebuilder Stonebridge Homes has revealed.

Around 60 full-time jobs will be supported on site during the development’s construction period, with a further 90 jobs being indirectly supported through substantial investment in the regional supply chain.

Stonebridge Homes, which recently secured planning permission for 97 new homes at the Darlington Road site, will also invest more than £17m during the three-year construction phase and has estimated that the development will contribute £8m into the local economy over the same period.

People living on the development, which will be known as Ashtree Park, will also benefit the local area through estimated increased retail spending of £1.5m.

The scheme will see a mixture of three, four and five-bedroom homes and bungalows built on 5.6 hectares of land close to the town centre, including a fifth being offered as affordable properties.

Stonebridge Homes has worked in partnership with the County Durham-based Banks Group to bring Ashtree Park forward.

Steve Errington, Managing Director of Stonebridge Homes, said: “As a responsible housebuilder, we are passionate about investing in and supporting the local areas in which we build homes and establish flourishing new communities.

“As our first development in the north east of England, we have worked closely and collaboratively with the local community and Durham County Council to allay any concerns about our plans and have made improvements accordingly based on feedback during the planning stages.

“Ashtree Park will be a high quality, sustainable development ideally located for new residential development, and we are pleased to be bringing much needed homes, jobs and economic benefits to the local area.”

Stonebridge Homes will include electric vehicle charging points at all homes, as well as providing generous open spaces, footpaths, landscaping, seating areas and a community lending library scheme.

Ashtree Park will also include direct access to existing local public transport routes and access within walking distance to both primary and secondary schools.

Steve Errington added: “As supportive members of the local community have said, new affordable homes are much needed in Barnard Castle to help local people, especially first-time buyers, younger people and families, get on the housing ladder, and in turn live happily in their communities.

“By providing bungalows as part of the Ashtree Park development, we are also supporting people who may want to downsize or need an accessible home.”