National partnership housing specialist Lovell is finalising its detailed plans for the first homes to be built at the North East’s first ever garden village.
The Lovell team in the North East has been appointed by Hellens Group and Homes England to deliver 261 homes within the first phase of Burtree Garden Village on the outskirts of Darlington.
A detailed reserved matters planning application is due to be submitted to Darlington Borough Council at the end of June.
The proposals by Lovell will comprise 115 affordable homes for Believe Housing, and 146 homes for private sale.
Subject to planning consent, Lovell anticipates starting construction on site in January 2027.
Phil Jones, Director of Land and Partnerships for Lovell in the North East, said:
“Burtree Garden Village will be a flagship development in the North East, delivering a sustainable, design-led and community-focused new neighbourhood which offers a place for everyone.
“We are proud to be working in partnership with Homes England and Hellens Group to build homes within the first phase of the project. The garden village concept offers the new community a chance to put down roots and flourish, with a village centre, employment space and a 20-acre public park planned alongside the new homes.
“We are now finalising our detailed plans and look forward to delivering on our commitment to help make the vision for this new neighbourhood a reality.
“The project also further develops our wider focus on building partnerships in Darlington, where we have been co-sponsoring the Building Heroes Academy at Darlington College, which helps military veterans explore new careers in construction.”
Burtree Garden Village is planned to deliver over 2,000 new homes over the next 20 years, up to 200,000 sq m of employment space, and essential infrastructure to support a growing community. The first phase of the development is set to include 750 homes, green infrastructure, and a 20-acre public park, with nearly half of the site designated as green open space. Plans also include shops, community facilities, and sustainable transport connections.
Homes England has committed £43 million to support the delivery of infrastructure, including highway improvements, sustainable transport and green infrastructure. Darlington Borough Council is a key partner in the scheme, contributing land and providing strategic oversight.