BUILDER Taylor Wimpey will hold a consultation event about plans for hundreds of new homes – including 'larger detached dwellings' – between Sunderland and Chester-le-Street.

The scheme proposes around 440 new homes on the 23-hectare site, next to Herrington Country Park, north of Chislehurst Road, Penshaw.

The site has been allocated for development in Sunderland City Council’s Local Plan and identified by the council as important to help deliver on its ambition to increase ‘larger detached dwellings’ in the city.

In addition to large residences, the site also provides a range of two to four-bed properties, 15 per cent of which would be affordable.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: “Since the initial consultation a significant amount of work has been undertaken to develop the scheme.

"The proposals provide a range of housing in an attractive setting, taking advantage of the site’s relationship with the Country Park and Penshaw Monument.

"This is an exciting development and we are keen to hear the views of the community on our more detailed plans, before we submit a formal planning application to the council.”

Staff from Taylor Wimpey and the development team will hold a second round of public consultation this week.

They will take calls on 0191-5165423 emails to penshaw@taylorwimpey.com on Friday, September 18, from 4pm to 8pm, and on Saturday, September 19, from 9am to 1pm.

Information and feedback forms are available online at taylorwimpey.co.uk/penshawconsultation.