The run down street in former County Durham mining village that could get multimillion pound makeover

A run down street in a former mining village could be regenerated under multimillion pound plans.

Third Street in Horden could be demolished and new housing built under ambitious plans from Durham County Council. The street was originally built for miner's and their families, but now people will find boarded up widows and doors in an area blighted by crime.

The community failed to get back on its feet after the closure of the coalmines and is one of the most deprived areas in the UK. Over the years the 'Numbered Streets' have become plagued with issues such as antisocial behaviour, crime and fly-tipping.

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Now, the local authority wants to redevelop the street and provide high quality housing with the demolition of the current properties and new ones built in their place, or a mix of both. It is part of the local authority's plans to transform the terraced streets in Horden by addressing the number of empty homes, the high number of private landlords and supporting those with housing needs.

Part of the overall masterplan will see existing housing at the 'Numbered Streets' replaced with new homes, with walking and cycling routes to Peterlee town centre, Horden train station and the Durham Heritage Coast improved.

Council bosses say this option has been subject to "extensive" consultation with residents in affected areas and those living nearby, with a "strong support" for the demolition and clearance of the numbered streets and regeneration of the area.

The county council has drawn up a “comprehensive” rehousing strategy for those affected in the initial phase of acquisition, should it be agreed, and this will explore all available housing options for residents.

The council's Cabinet will be asked to put more than £6m towards the acquisition of the properties on Third Street at a meeting on Wednesday. A phasing and delivery plan has been developed subject to funding being available.

As part of this, ‘Phase 1’ proposes the acquisition of houses on Third Street, funded with the £6.2m, paving the way for either redevelopment, demolition and new build, or a mix of the two.

These proposals were subject to public engagement by the council in September and October of last year.

Cllr James Rowlandson, the authority’s portfolio holder for resources, investment and assets, said: “We’re really excited to be on the brink of agreeing the acquisition of properties on Third Street, with the aim of providing a better standard of housing for local people. This will be either through redevelopment, demolition and new build or a mix of these.

“Our ultimate ambition is that our vision for Third Street will improve quality of life for people while acting as a catalyst for more regeneration activity within Horden and helping us to attract outside investment in the community.”

“We fully appreciate people living in or owning properties on Third Street may have concerns. They can be assured they will be offered support from our housing teams to find alternative accommodation, should the acquisitions go ahead, and that appropriate support will be provided.”

Graham Easterlow, chief executive of East Durham Trust, said: “Investment in the regeneration of the villages of East Durham is vital. Any work to help improve things is surely a good step in the right direction. East Durham Trust will continue to work with all in our communities to ensure our beautiful part of the world receives the critical investment that is so desperately needed and that community needs are front and centre.”