Social networking site

£50m network village scheme gets a flying start as first planning application is submitted

National developer Network Space Ltd has today announced the submission of a planning application to create an exemplar sustainable regeneration scheme on the former Murton Colliery site in County Durham.

The scheme proposes a 'network village' to include 26,000sq ft of high quality serviced offices, 26,000sq ft of flexible workspace within 15 units, eight own front door offices and 240 new homes. A third of the 17 hectare site will be landscaped as a public park and open space.

Developed by Network Space Ltd, the joint venture between Langtree and the Government's national regeneration agency English Partnerships and assisted by District of Easington Council, the scheme will be an exemplar sustainable development, creating over 300 new jobs and providing a range of affordable, energy efficient new homes on the former colliery site.

Simon Peters, managing director of Network Space, said: "This is a radical new initiative that promotes and adheres to the Government's housing and regeneration objectives.

"Our intention, as always, is to work closely with the local community to deliver the most sustainable and vibrant scheme.

"Following two well attended public consultations the feedback from local residents has directly influenced the application we have submitted today."

John Walker, chief executive of English Partnerships, continued: "This planning application marks a significant step forward for the regeneration of this former colliery site and the continued improvements and investment being made in Murton. This is the first of a number of network villages planned to be delivered in former coalfield areas.
"As well as ensuring a high level of sustainability, the scheme will boost the local economy by delivering better quality employment opportunities, a wider choice of housing and new areas of public open space."

The houses and apartments within the network village scheme will be designed to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4.The development will improve performance in a range of areas including water, waste, materials, drainage, energy and CO2 reduction, health and wellbeing, management and ecology.

The business centre, offices and workspace units will be delivered to a high standard of sustainability to achieve a BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Excellent rating.

Simon Peters concludes: "The network village concept is truly distinctive. We are providing quality homes within walking distance of the high street, alongside the highest quality working environment for local businesses.
"The business centre, offices and workspace are specifically designed for small to medium sized enterprises and this development is quite rare in today's market place in terms of the location, flexibility and quality that will be on offer.
"Our track record on over 20 developments in coalfield areas around the country has shown a remarkable success, with many of the schemes 100 percent occupied. This demonstrates that by delivering flexible, quality accommodation you can foster new jobs which help boost the economies of former coalfield areas."

Murton is the first application for a network village. Network Space is seeking further sites to develop the concept in the former coalfield areas of England.