A HEXHAM firm behind the redevelopment of a Ponteland leisure centre and schools complex has reported a successful 2018.

Planning specialists Hedley Planning Services reported a 25 per cent increase in trade over the last 12 months as it targeted the £500,000 turnover mark in 2019.

It is currently steering through plans for the £46m redevelopment of the leisure centre, primary school and secondary school in Ponteland after the Government gave the scheme the green light.

This will also see the relocation of Ponteland Fire and Rescue Services to a new site, with a planning decision is expected in early 2019.

The practice has also seen considerable progress in the volume of replanning work undertaken for house builders such as Barratt Homes and Avant Homes.

This has led to planning approval for the development of almost 2,000 new homes in Morpeth, Durham, Middlesbrough and Spennymoor among other North-East locations.

The green light has also been given to plans drawn up by the firm for another residential development, which will see the construction of more than 450 new properties.

New work has also boosted workforce numbers, with the firm currently employing six specialists providing a range of residential and commercial services.

Managing director Sean Hedley, who established the company in 2012, is maintaining confidence in continued growth for the next 12 months, based upon work already in the pipeline.

He said: “We are now busier than ever, and we’re involved in planning work right across the region, which is encouraging and contributing to growth.

“Plans for strategic housing sites, the delivery of Ponteland fire station, a new wedding venue at Doxford Hall and further new homes are expected to come to fruition in the new 12 months, underpinning continued growth to our workload.”