Permission granted for County Durham eco-office

A multi-million pound construction of a new eco-office is to take place in Stanley after planning permission was granted to architects Browne Smith Baker (BSB).

Once completed, the environmentally-friendly development will be used by social housing company Derwentside Homes.

The eco-office will cost around £3.3 million and will house the firm's head office over 24,000 sq ft across two floors.

It will employ renewable technologies such as ground source heat pumps, green roofs and recycled paper insulation.

Hot and cold air will pass through the hollow concrete floor to heat and cool the building.

Russell Edwards, associate director at BSB, said: "BSB is passionate about pushing the green agenda forward and helping to achieve the country's sustainable energy targets.

"This is a significant development in the area and paves the way for further eco-developments of its type."

Work is expected to start next month and take around a year to complete.

Earlier this year two BSB developments were short-listed in the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Renaissance awards in the regeneration and commercial categories.

Martin Slowe Property Services are Commercial Property Consultants offering a full range of Commercial Property Services.