A community group has shared its vision for a former school site.

Hexham Community-Led Housing (HCLH) would like to see the former Hexham Middle School site transformed into a new housing development.

The site has been empty for three years since students moved to the new Queen Elizabeth High School campus.

HCLH has a bold vision for the 6.5-hectare site, which is close to the town centre and has plenty of green space and mature trees.

The group wants to create a sustainable environment with passivhaus homes, which are well-insulated and energy-efficient.

This would mean residents wouldn't have to 'fear' rising energy prices and the homes would not contribute to carbon emissions.

HCLH claims that transforming this site means families would not need to rely on cars, reducing congestion in the area.

The site could also have a renewable 'district' energy scheme, using ground and air source heat to create a net-zero heat network.

Wendy Breach, chairwoman of HCLH, said: "What better place for some gentle density genuinely affordable housing, surrounded by green space that the established neighbourhood to the east can also easily access.

"What better ownership of the land than the local authority? We have seen what happens to land in private ownership."

Northumberland County Council, which owns the land, has proposed a range of housing options including affordable homes, family houses, bungalows, and an extra care supported living scheme.

The council’s development aims to create an environment with green spaces, pedestrian-friendly paths, improved access, and a community garden.

The council and HCLH have both held consultation events with residents and are currently working on a master plan for the site.

HCLH is inviting people to learn more about how a district energy scheme could work in Hexham at a talk at the Beaumont Hotel on September 12 at 5.30pm.

Emma Fletcher will give a talk about Swaffham Prior, a village in Cambridgeshire that has set up a similar scheme, and discuss the experience and the similarities and differences in setting up such a scheme in Hexham.

People interested in attending the talk are asked to email info@hexhamhousing.co.uk to secure a seat.