Welcome
Welcome to this consultation website for the proposed development of approximately 35 affordable homes on land at Middles Road, The Middles, Stanley.
Ways to get involved
We want to hear your thoughts on the proposal. You can get involved by:
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Attending the in-person consultation event at Craghead Village Hall on 12th November 2025 at 3:30pm – 7pm
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If you are unable to use the online questionnaire or attend the in-person event, please email us at middlesroad@lichfields.uk
Proposed Development
Karbon is proposing to develop a 100% affordable housing scheme, with approximately 35 new homes designed to meet local housing needs.
Site Location Plan & Proposed Site Plan
Click on the above image to view a larger version - click on the house icon to view the proposed plans.
​The development will include:
New affordable homes: 100% of the homes will be affordable.
A decision on whether the homes will be for rent or available through affordable home ownership schemes, will be determined at a later date.
Over 11% of the homes will be bungalows, designed to meet the local needs of the area and provide homes which are adaptable for a variety of requirements (ie wheelchair accessible). The remaining homes will be two and three-bed houses.
Energy efficient design: All homes will have air source heat pumps and solar panels. Together, this improves the energy efficiency of the homes and helps lower the carbon impact.
Connections to The Middles: The primary pedestrian and vehicle access is provided via Middles Road. An additional pedestrian connection is also provided, which links the site to the public right of way south of Chaytor Terrace, providing access to the South Stanley Woods Local Nature Reserve.
Wildlife zone: The area to the south of the site will be used as a wildlife and biodiversity improvement zone. This will include the creation of wetlands where new species will thrive, and the protection of existing vegetation where existing habitats exist.
CGI's of proposed buildings
Site Analysis
A full pack of technical reports will be prepared and submitted as part of the planning application. Based on work done to date, the following provides a summary of how the proposal intends to address each technical discipline.
Design
The design of the scheme has been informed by discussions with Durham County Council. This helped shape the current layout and design which intends to reflect the existing layout of streets and homes in The Middles.
The layout also provides a buffer between the proposed homes and the woodland to the south. This buffer zone would will not have any builtd development and therefore provides an opportunity to deliver further ecological enhancements.
Benefits
Social benefits
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Providing new, high quality and secure affordable homes to help families remain in the local area.
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Providing accessible and adaptable affordable homes, meeting local needs.
Environmental benefits
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Energy efficient design with air source heat pumps and solar panels
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Provision of EV charging points at each home
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Provision of at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain
Economic benefits
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Direct and indirect jobs throughout the construction period.
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Generation of additional expenditure in local shops and support for amenities in the local area.
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Providing Durham County Council increased revenue for local spending, through increased Council Tax receipts and New Homes Bonus
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Developer contributions are envisaged to help improve local infrastructure.
Next Steps
The consultation period ended Friday 21st November 2025.
After considering the comments received during this consultation, the next steps will be:
Submission of a planning application
(Winter 2025)
The Council will formally consult with the local community
(Winter 2025)
Target for determination of the planning application by the Council
(Spring 2026)
If approved, construction to commence on site
(Summer/Autumn 2026)