'Drab' 1950s Cockfield flats to be given 21st century makeover

TEESDALE Housing Association wants to refurbish six blocks of flats in Cockfield to make them a “more vibrant place” and to give them a new lease of life.
The Manor Grove blocks were built in the late 1950s.
The housing association plans to refurbish the 24 two-bedroomed flats by altering the roof, windows and rendering.
In a proposal sent to county planners, Teesdale Housing said none of the existing tenants, nor tenants in nearby bungalows, had objected to the plans during a recent consultation.
The association said: “It is felt that the external improvements will have a significant impact and uplift to the flats themselves in addition to the surrounding area. The existing externals are very drab, dated and do not maximise the potential of either the buildings or Cockfield as a community.
“By alternating the roof, window and render finishes over the six blocks, it is felt that it will visually break up a large stretch of identical properties.
“In addition varying the aesthetics of the external finishes will make the properties look less institutional and more individual.”