NewsBeat
How plans to demolish over 100 homes in Horden began
Horden on the East Durham coast has for some years now been a topic of discussion for its housing issues – and often gains notoriety on social media for its large number of boarded up homes.
But the town was not always perceived this way.
Horden Colliery was, at one point, one of the biggest mines in the country. At its height, more than 4,000 proud men worked there.
However, its closure in the late 80s has led to a series of issues in the town from unemployment to housing and anti-social behaviour.
Decades later, a ‘masterplan’ was proposed by the council in a bid to rejuvenate the area and tackle longstanding issues.
Plans worth £10.7m were then given the green light by the council in December, and are now set to see more than 100 homes reduced to rubble.
But those living in homes earmarked for demolition are now taking a stand – and have served the authority with a challenge.
Here’s how it has all unfolded.
June 3, 2019
Council’s consultations begin
In the summer of 2019, residents were asked to have their say on plans to regenerate Horden, particularly focused around the numbered streets to be a “catalyst for change”.
Those living in the area were asked what they liked and what they wanted to see improved, with suggestions set to shape the town’s future and the authority’s masterplan.
September 15, 2023
Suggestions of homes being demolished
In the autumn of 2023, it was suggested that homes could be demolished as part of the masterplan.
It was reported that at a public consultation with residents, the majority backed a proposal to purchase and demolish the existing properties on the numbered streets and replace them with new homes.
January 19, 2024
Council gives funding
Durham County Council agreed to invest £6m into the regeneration of the town.
November 28, 2024
Plans to acquire hundreds of homes
In late 2024, council officials stepped up plans to acquire hundreds of homes in Horden.
The council successfully purchased and decommissioned its first property in Third Street in August 2024.
At the time, three tenants and two owner-occupiers were supported to relocate to new properties, with detailed support being provided to others in preparation for moving to their new homes.
Third Street, Horden. (Image: The Northern Echo)
August 14, 2025
Plans submitted
In summer 2025, a plan worth £10.7m was submitted to the council’s planning committee.
The hybrid application called for more than 100 homes to be reduced to rubble and replaced by 105 across Third Street, the former Fourth Street and Fifth Street.
An image of what the homes may look like. (Image: T Manners)
December 3, 2025
Plans approved
Durham County Council’s planning committee gave plans, which include building on green space on the already-demolished Fourth Street site, the go-ahead on December 3.
But for those living in homes marked for demolition, the decision came as a bitter blow as they will have to relocate.
More than a dozen came out ahead of the meeting to protest the plans, holding placards outside the council’s HQ calling for the homes to be refurbished rather than demolished.
null (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
January 23, 2026
Residents serve council with legal challenge
This month, a group of emboldened residents served Durham County Council with a legal challenge in relation to the Horden plans.
On January 23, the authority was served with papers from lawyers representing Horden neighbours, who are hoping to overturn £10.7m plans.
Horden residents. (Image: ANDY FUTERS)
In a last-ditch attempt, a number of those still living in the homes marked for demolition have invested thousands to fund a legal battle, as the council say they will “review and consider this challenge”.
One resident involved in the battle is Ray Bellingham, 68, who alongside sister Moira, have lived in their Third Street home since they were children.
He is hoping the legal challenge can overturn the council’s plans in their entirety, as the siblings “don’t want to move”.
Stephen Reed, Durham County Council’s planning manager, said: “We can confirm that we have been served a legal challenge over the plans for Third Street, Fourth Street and Fifth Street in Horden.
“We will review and consider this challenge in line with the appropriate processes.”