A housebuilder is set to make planning contributions worth approximately £1.26 million for the community in and around Hurworth-on-Tees and Darlington.

As part of the planning agreement associated with the Hurworth Gardens development, housebuilder Bellway will be giving £305,000 to the nearby Hurworth Primary School and £273,000 to fund an evening bus service to Darlington for five years.

A further £98,000 will be invested in sustainable transport.

The development of 95 four and five-bedroom homes is being built on Roundhill Road.

Prices range from £329,995 to £489,995.

Debbie Foster, Head of Sales for Bellway Durham, said: “It’s fantastic to see work progressing so well at Hurworth Gardens, and we’re delighted that, as part of the development, we’re able to give back to the local community.

“With money towards local education and transport, we’re hoping that our investments will enhance the already pretty village.

“We like to think we’re adding to the community here, not just building houses.”

The scheme is half a mile from the village centre and less than four miles from Darlington, with convenient access to the A1 for travel north and south.

Local schools include Hurworth Primary School, rated ‘good’ by Ofsted, and Hurworth School for secondary students, rated ‘outstanding’.

Debbie Foster said: “The development is proving popular with professionals working across the region, because the A66, A167 and A1 are all easily accessible, and Darlington station is only 10 minutes’ drive away.”

To find out more about Hurworth Gardens, contact the Sales Office at Roundhill Road, Hurworth, DL2 2EF, telephone 01325 721941.

The office is open Thursday to Monday, 10.30am to 5pm, or until 7pm on Thursday.