Hellens Group

The formal planning application for Burtree Garden Village, spearheaded by Hellens Group and Homes England, the government’s housing and regeneration agency, is scheduled for a decision by Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee on the 15^th May.

The project envisions the construction of 2,000 new homes over the next 20 years and includes up to 200,000 sq. m of employment space. Designed with an emphasis on landscape and environmental sustainability, the initial application covers the first 750 homes, along with the necessary infrastructure, retail outlets, community amenities, and a public park.

Homes England has committed to a £43 million investment for the development's required infrastructure, enabling the initial development of highways, sustainable transportation options, and green infrastructure, with nearly half of the site designated as green open space.

Homes England has acquired approximately 307 acres of the site through a joint venture with Hellens Group, which includes Hellens Residential, a registered provider of social housing. Additionally, Darlington Borough Council owns 70 acres. All parties are dedicated to working jointly to provide the initial infrastructure and affordable housing necessary for Burtree's success.

Gavin Cordwell-Smith, chief executive of Hellens Groups, said: “We are thrilled to have reached this pivotal stage in the development of Burtree Garden Village after several years of working to perfect our proposals. The project promises to significantly enhance the growth and sustainability of Darlington."

A spokesperson for Homes England added, said:

“Hellens Group successfully obtained Garden Communities status from the government for the Burtree site in July 2019 and a proposed mixed-use allocation was included within the Darlington Borough Council Local Plan, which was formally adopted in March 2022. We are delighted that the planning application for the first phase is being presented to planning committee with a recommendation for approval.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Issued on behalf of Hellens Group

Contact Josh Mason 01325 363436

About Hellens Group:

The Hellens Group, with offices in Washington, Stockton-on-Tees and Catterick, incorporates a number of property, construction, manufacturing and social enterprise businesses with interests throughout the North East, Tees Valley and Yorkshire.

The original business (John Hellens (Contracts) Ltd) was founded in 1973 to focus on the regeneration of brownfield sites; the company became leading experts in the field. Hellens Group has significantly expanded and adapted to changing market conditions, moving into sports and recreation facility construction, social housing, land and property development and investment as well as manufacturing of hard landscaping products for the building industry.

@hellensgroup

www.hellens.co.uk