Esh's private housebuilding division has obtained planning permission to develop 35 luxury homes on a 3.9-hectare site near Houghton-le-Spring, following the acquisition of the land earlier this year.

The development at Philadelphia Lane – named Collier Gardens – features three- and four-bedroom detached homes in a variety of house types to provide a range of choice for potential buyers. It is located on the A182 and has good connections to the A690, A1 and A19.

Each home will be greener and more economical than homes built to 2013 building regulations, and will benefit from energy efficient features, including electric vehicle charging points, solar panels, and smart thermostats. The homes will be compliant to the 2021 Building Regulations Uplift, bringing increased insulation, ventilation and energy efficiency.


Homes by Esh has live sites in Durham, Darlington and Gateshead and this latest development is part of its strategic growth plans. Technical Director, Dale Morris, said: "The Collier Gardens development showcases dwellings designed specifically to meet the needs of a modern family, by providing plenty of generous living spaces, with designs tailored to suit open-plan living and lifetime needs.

"The site boasts an excellent location for both first time buyers and home movers, supported by a thriving community. The green light from the planning committee allows us to expand on our live sites across the North East after making good progress on multiple sites in Darlington and Durham in the early part of 2024."

Collier Gardens will be built with reconstituted stone, sympathetic to the character of the surrounding area. Open space will be maximised, with three sections of designated green space across the site and front gardens of multiple plots, as well as rear gardens, expected to create a community feel.

The latest planning approval for Homes by Esh follows permission received in May from Durham County Council to build 41 residential homes at Trimdon Village. The Bluebell Gardens development features a mix of three- and four-bedroom detached homes and two-bedroom terraced bungalows, providing a range of choice for potential buyers.