A HOUSEBUILDING scheme is expected to generate almost £600,000 for frontline services run by a council facing continuing financial pressures.

The leader of Darlington Borough Council, Councillor Stephen Harker said the authority’s fifth joint venture development, in which 55 homes will be built at Middleton St George, was vital as services still faced the consequences of austerity cuts.

He was speaking as the council’s Cabinet approved the creation of a joint venture company with Esh Homes Limited for the development which the authority’s planners gave consent for in December.

Cllr Harker told the meeting a similar scheme in the Eastbourne area of Darlington was nearly complete and was expected to bring in nearly £1m for the local authority. He said: “We are continuing to see cuts to Government funding to local authorities and as well as seeing the benefits of this scheme from introducing new housing it is also bringing in revenue to the local authority which is very much needed.”