First look at 'high-quality' homes at £23m jobs-spinning Sunderland housing development

The construction of 115 three, four and five-bedroom properties at The Birches, off Potters Hill, Sunderland, by Story Homes will begin early in the new year.

The company said in a statement: “The scheme is part of a £65m commitment from Story Homes to invest across the city, which will see it build 450 homes in Sunderland, creating hundreds of jobs over the coming years.

"The Birches represents a £23m investment that will bring more high quality family homes to this increasingly attractive part of the city.”

Allan Thompson, managing director for Story Homes in the North East, added: “We’re delighted to obtain planning consent and are looking forward to commencing construction at The Birches at Potters Hill, a scheme we have been very excited to move forward with since lodging our planning application in the summer.

“Sunderland is a transforming city, and an increasingly attractive place to live, work and play.

"We know that there is huge demand for high quality new homes in the city, so we’re very much looking forward to getting these properties completed and on the market, creating attractive new homes for families of all kinds.”

Potters Hill, between Moorside and Hall Farm, represents the Carlisle company’s first steps into Sunderland.

Mr Thompson continued: “We see so much potential in Sunderland so we’re really pleased to be establishing a presence here, and, with longer term ambitions to develop more homes in the city, we’re excited about the future.”

The wider Potters Hill scheme will create more than 700 new homes in phases across a 112-acre area.

When the site is fully developed, there will be 13.5 hectares of natural green space, equivalent in area to more than 18 full-size football pitches.

The entire development is being delivered by Sunderland City Council’s city development directorate as principal developer.

Councillor Graeme Miller, the leader of Sunderland City Council, welcomed Story Homes’ arrival in the city.

He said: “It’s brilliant to see planning consent for another high quality housing development in the city.

"We are determined to deliver varied, high-quality housing stock in Sunderland, so we’re really excited about this relationship with Story Homes and look forward to many more schemes coming forward.”

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