AN abandoned newbuild estate has been left to rot for seven years, leaving locals baffled and claiming that it “makes no sense.”
Work began on the development in 2018, however the County Durham site has stood empty for years.
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The estate at Evenwood Gate, near West Auckland, sits on the former site of the Brown Jug Inn, which was demolished in 2015.
By 2022, several houses were fully built and ready to welcome new homeowners, however no one has ever moved in.
The estate sits between West Auckland and Staindrop.
The newbuilds are complete with walls, windows, doors, garden spaces, fences, and guttering, but remain unoccupied.
People living nearby have shared that they have been looking out at the empty building for as long as three years.
They claim the estate has become a ghost town with weeds now growing through the railings and building fences still blocking the entrance from the A688, reports The Northern Echo.
One confused resident said: “It makes no sense – the houses are there, but nobody lives in them.”
They also claim that “minimal” work has been done on the development in recent years.
Durham County Council confirmed the project has “stalled” but assured that they are working to resolve planning issues.
A revised application is expected soon.
However, this delay has left those living in the area baffled and confused.
One resident, Rachel Aldred, told The Northern Echo: “It’s strange, but finishing the estate might actually help.
“More homes could slow down traffic through the village and make it safer for families.”
The County Durham mum explained that cars often fly through the village and more houses might encourage them to slow down.
She expressed fears over the safety of the roads with her young family.
Aldred also added that in the three years that she has lived in the area, she has only seen one digger on the site.
Another shared that they hope the work will be completed as soon as possible, adding that driversby must be confused by the rows of empty houses.
Michael Kelleher, Durham County Council’s head of planning and housing, said: “ We are aware that development has stalled at this site, which is privately owned.
“In light of this, we have held discussions with the developer’s appointed consultant to help them progress the scheme and resolve outstanding planning matters.
“We are expecting a revised application for the development to be submitted soon.”
The Sun has reached out to County Durham Council for further comment.
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