Work is due to commence this week on a former sheltered housing scheme to make way for much needed new homes. Homes and communities’ organisation livin is investing £500,000 to convert The White House at Aycliffe Village as part of its £6 million two-year affordable homes development programme. Plans were approved earlier this year to construct two, two bedroom bungalows on the site as well as converting the existing building to offer three new two bedroom bungalows. Wayne Harris, executive director, property and development said: “Demand for the White House had been falling for a number of years. We knew the location was popular but the accommodation was no longer fit for purpose. “The development project has enabled us to breathe new life into this building as well as providing much needed new homes to the local community.” The development is due to be completed in June 2017 and the properties will be available for affordable rent through the Durham Key Options, choice based lettings scheme for people aged 55 years and over.  For more information about livin’s development programme or to register for Durham Key Options visit www.livin.co.uk