North East housebuilder Homes by Esh has received planning approval to build 49 high quality new homes in Tunstall, marking a key step in expanding its presence within the South Sunderland Growth Area.
Brought forward by Esh Group’s private housebuilding division, the Burdon Road development sits around four miles from Sunderland city centre and will deliver a mix of three and four bedroom, detached and semi detached homes.
The scheme was approved by Sunderland City Council as it aligns with the council’s wider strategic masterplan for Land North of Burdon Lane through its Core Strategy and Development Plan.
Technical Director at Homes by Esh, Dale Morris, said: “Securing planning approval for our Burdon Road development is a significant milestone for the team and a positive step forward for housing delivery in Sunderland.
“Our focus has been to design homes that not only meet the needs of modern families but also integrate seamlessly with the local area and its long term growth plans. With sustainability, energy performance and community at the heart of the scheme, we look forward to bringing these homes to life and working with local partners to generate real economic benefit for the region.”
Several house types, including The Juniper, The Magnolia and The Laurel – all seen on Homes by Esh’s Collier Gardens development at Philadelphia Lane – are included in the plans, offering a variety of housing options.
Designed to support modern living, each of the 49 homes will meet the 2021 Building Regulations Uplift, incorporating enhanced insulation, ventilation, and a range of energy efficient features including electric vehicle charging points, solar panels and smart thermostats.
The development is an open space led scheme with a Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) area and is compliant with local authority Highways requirements.
The scheme will also deliver a 10% affordable housing contribution and comply fully with the UK Government’s Biodiversity Net Gain requirements, also providing a 10% uplift compared to predevelopment levels. Homes by Esh anticipates working closely with a local SME supply chain to ensure investment is reinjected into the local economy.
The planning approval for Burdon Road follows Homes by Esh’s ongoing development at Philadelphia Lane, where work is underway on 35 premium‑quality, energy‑efficient three and four‑bedroom detached homes in Houghton‑le‑Spring. The scheme received planning permission in September 2025. In addition, 41 energy‑efficient homes are currently being delivered at Homes by Esh’s Bluebell Gardens development in Trimdon Village.
Elsewhere in the region, Homes by Esh is progressing multiple Darlington developments, including its flagship Havelock Park at Blackwell Grange, with 44 executive homes, and 144 homes at Hurworth Meadows.
