The Church Commissioners for England and Durham County Council have submitted a joint planning application to build a 1,435-home development.

The 97.1-hectare Copelaw scheme, near the town of Newton Aycliffe, will if approved deliver a series of “interlinked neighbourhoods” around a central ‘spine’ road.

A spokesperson for the Church Commissioners, the body responsible for managing the Church of England’s property assets, said the scheme would include 15% affordable housing in line with the local plan and up to 92 extra care homes.