The site will see 2,000 new homes built during a 20-year period as well as up to 200,000 sq mts of employment space.

A phase one planning application has now been submitted for 750 homes, along with the Homes England-funded infrastructure.

Work will include construction of new highways, sustainable travel links and a public park and nature reserve which will eventually cover almost half of the 307-acre site.

Homes England gradually acquired the majority of the site between 2020 and 2022 having entered into a joint venture with local SME developer Hellens Group and Darlington Borough Council.

Marie Kiddell, head of planning and enabling for Homes England in the north of England, said: “The funding that Homes England has secured for the Burtree project is vital for the delivery of the Garden Village and the creation of this landscape led mixed use development”.

“We look forward to continuing to work with Hellens and the council in progressing the site through planning and supporting the delivery of much needed new homes in Darlington”.

Gavin Cordwell-Smith, chief executive of Hellens Group, said: “Burtree Garden Village is a ground-breaking partnership between Homes England and Hellens Group, to accelerate housing delivery in one of 43 official Garden Communities across the country.

“Garden villages are essential to the growth of towns like Darlington, not just because they bring much-needed homes, including affordable properties, but because they put beauty and nature at the heart of design and infrastructure.”