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Housing Needs Survey for Stanhope Parish

Published: Thursday 7 August 2025

Housing that is affordable for those with a strong local connection, (live, work or have family), to Stanhope Parish

Durham Community Action recognise that people living in rural communities face real difficulties finding affordable homes in the villages where they grew up, now work and want to live or return to live in.

Alongside local people Durham Community Action is working with parish councils, local authorities, registered providers (usually Housing Associations), businesses and organisations across County Durham to understand what the housing needs are in rural areas and how people in those communities can be supported to stay close to their networks, places of employment, or education.

Durham Community Action is a registered independent charity supporting communities throughout County Durham since 1935 and we have a great deal of community engagement experience. They are funded by DEFRA (Government Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs) to undertake Housing Needs Surveys and establish if there is a need for different types of housing within County Durham’s parishes.

Surveys are a vital part of the Housing Needs Survey process, so it is important to receive as many responses as possible, from different members of the community to get the full local picture. Maybe you or someone you know, or someone your organisation supports wants to take their first step on the housing ladder, to rent a property close to their place of work, training or just downsize without leaving their community but are finding it hard to do so?

This is your chance to tell Durham Community Action what you think, and all views are welcome whether you have a need for alternative or affordable accommodation yourself or not.

You can complete this survey online by clicking here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RK82LP7

once-derelict site becomes a community thanks to housing association’s new homes

Published: Thursday 15 February 2024

A new housing development, which regenerated a derelict social club site in County Durham, has quickly become a friendly community for its residents.

“It feels fab living here.

“I love my home, I’ve got lovely neighbours and I’ve integrated into a good community,” said resident Carole Watkis.

“I’ve gotten a new life here, my son’s happy, I’m happy and I feel really settled.”

Carole was among the first residents to move in to one of believe housing’s 96 new homes at Milburn Close, on Seaside Lane, Easington Village.

The North East housing association worked with regional contractor Esh Construction to deliver a mix of two, three and four-bed houses and bungalows for affordable rent, Rent to Buy and shared ownership.

With the development largely complete and all the homes snapped up, colleagues from believe housing and Esh Construction visited the site recently to see how the community has taken shape.

Kate Abson, Director of Development at believe housing, said: “Seaside Lane is a really important scheme for believe housing, helping us to meet demand for affordable homes in the local area as we have seen significant interest from people who want to live here.

“It has delivered brand new high-quality homes that people aspire to live in, and a mixed community where people can thrive.

“A lot of people who aspire to get on the property ladder are using the opportunities created at Seaside Lane to do that.”

The £11m redevelopment of the former Easington Working Men’s Club site was supported by a Homes England grant, secured by Esh Construction.

Like many building projects, it was delayed by lockdown and supply chain issues due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but residents were able to move in between summer 2022 and 2023.

Kate added: “Seaside Lane and its construction had a hugely positive impact on the wider area, in terms of investment into the local community and the region.

“And, after the site laid dormant and derelict for some time, this scheme has brought it back into use and is now a really attractive and popular place to live.”

Laura Devaney, Land and Partnerships Director at Esh Construction, was integral in developing the initial proposals for the scheme with believe housing.

She said: “The collaborative working of all parties involved — from the early concept through the planning process and then into construction — has been key to the success of this project.

“I’m thrilled to see another land led development come full circle and deliver incredibly desirable affordable homes.”