Construction of a new housing scheme in Gainford is due to start.
Raby Estates received planning permission to build 72 homes on land north of Spa Road in 2021.
Knaresborough-based Wharfdale Homes will oversee the building of the homes in partnership with Raby Estates.
The site, on the west end of the village will be opened up before Christmas and ground work will begin in the new year.
The development, along with another for 72 houses in Staindrop, was approved under an “enabling development” scheme, which will see cash raised from the homes paying for upgrades and improvements which have been carried out at Raby Castle and Gainford Hall.
Under the enabling development scheme, projects are not required to comply with all planning policies as long as “the wider benefits outweigh the disbenefits of not adhering to those policies”.
Renovations to Gainford Hall have been completed and the Raby Castle development known as The Rising has already been opened, which includes a children’s adventure playground known as Plotters’ Forest and the repurposing of abandoned buildings into a restaurant and events venues.
Chief executive of Raby Estates Duncan Peake said: “This is a design-led scheme created by renowned architect Ben Pentreath.
“Wharfedale Homes has been chosen due to its expertise in the industry and ability to deliver Raby’s vision to create homes designed to blend sympathetically into the local environment and contribute positively to the local area.
“This is a significant development for this part of the estate and Raby will continue to be closely involved to ensure the development meets everyone’s expectations.”
With 31 years of experience, Wharfedale Homes builds energy efficient homes across Yorkshire and the North East.
Matthew Gibson, land and planning director at Wharfedale Homes, said: “We are incredibly proud that Raby Estates has entrusted us to oversee this important housing scheme.
“We specialise in bespoke, high-quality developments which are sympathetic to their local environment and help local communities to flourish.”
