Infrastructure works linking the development to the nearby A182 can now begin with the first phases of housing commencing early in 2023.

The development will bring 1,500 new homes to the area with 750 homes developed for private sale by Miller Homes and Taylor Wimpey and the remaining 750 homes to be of mixed tenure including rent to buy, shared ownership and affordable rent options.

Tolent will remain engaged in the project following the sale of the land and has entered into a construction partnership with Karbon Homes to deliver its share of the properties.

Paul Webster, CEO at Tolent said: “South Seaham Garden Village will provide a diverse mix of homes providing a vibrant community on the outskirts of Seaham.

“The site has been owned by Tolent for a number of years and we have been working in partnership with Durham County Council to create an ambitious garden village that will provide innovation in the local housing market.

“Approximately half of the development will be managed green space including play areas and a grassed playing pitch lined by a network of over three miles of landscaped paths and cycleways which coupled with its coastal setting make it an idyllic location.”

Sarah Robson, Director of Development and Regeneration at Karbon Homes, said: “We’re delighted to have bought our share of the land at South Seaham Garden Village and are looking forward to bringing 750 much-needed, affordable homes to the area.

“This is the largest development we have embarked on to date and we’re excited to be playing a part in bringing this vibrant new community to County Durham.”

In addition to the planned housing, the project includes a new village centre, which will include the delivery of a two-form entry primary school and a range of community facilities.

Russ Hall, Managing Director of Taylor Wimpey North East, said “We are pleased to continue our investment in the North East and the South Seaham Garden Village project is a result of considerable hard work to date that will be evident on the ground soon.

“We are excited to be part of the delivery of another major development in the North East and the delivery of a new garden village community.”

Patrick Arkle, Managing Director, North East at Miller Homes added: “This is a key location for us in the region, Seaham has transformed over the years into a popular beachfront destination and an up-and-coming place to live.

“As a team we’re excited about South Seaham Garden Village, the scale of the site presents lots of opportunities and we believe it will become a flagship development offering an excellent range of much-needed three, four and five-bed homes.”

The site is set to be a testbed for future technologies with a range of modern methods of construction planned for use with the potential for off-site panellised solutions and a range of alternative building methodologies currently being considered.