Scholars View, DH5

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

I have been living at Scalars View for about five years. It is conveniently located near schools and public transport, offers affordable rates, and provides comfortable living. There is an Aldi nearby, and a bit further away, a Tesco and a local swimming pool, gym, and fitness centre. I probably don't need to mention hair and nail salons—there are plenty of them everywhere.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Prompt, same-day responses to inquiries, along with detailed, accessible, step-by-step instructions, are especially helpful for those with little prior experience dealing with rentals, security deposits, and related documentation.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

There is no place to store bicycles: leaving them in the courtyard carries a risk of theft (no one is immune to theft), and there is simply not enough space inside the house.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Living in Scholars View has been a positive experience. The area is quiet, tidy, and feels safe for families. One of the biggest advantages is the close distance to the primary school — only about a 5‑minute walk, which is extremely convenient. Local shops are limited, but larger supermarkets are around a 10‑minute drive away. Public transport links are generally reliable, though less frequent in the evenings. Bin collections are regular, and anti‑social behaviour is very rare. The main downside is that parking spaces aren’t marked for specific houses, which can cause some confusion. Inside the development the streets are calm with minimal traffic noise, although the main A182 road is quite busy — but only about six houses sit directly on it, and the rest of the development is set further back and stays peaceful. Overall, it’s a comfortable and friendly place to live.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Building management has responded relatively fast to any issues I’ve raised. Communication has been straightforward, and most concerns have been acknowledged and dealt with in a timely way. While some matters, like unmarked parking spaces, still need improvement, overall their response has been efficient and helpful.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

One thing I wish I had understood better before moving in is how uncomfortable the unmarked parking spaces can be. I knew the spaces weren’t allocated to specific houses, but I didn’t realise how often this would lead to confusion or awkward situations. It’s a small detail that isn’t obvious during a viewing, but it definitely affects day‑to‑day convenience. Other than that, the development has been a pleasant place to live.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Good links by bus to Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham. Local shops are good and very convenient. We have a 2 bed bungalow at the front of the site near 2 areas of communal space that is well looked after all year round.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Yes, is easy to raise the issue via the website, this is acknowledged with an email and I have always been contacted very promptly with an appointment

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

That I would need garden storage and there is no outside tap.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Easington lane is clearly a run down area, poor choice of local shops ,I've noticed in the past year rental residents are breaking their tenancy agreement by parking wherever they like, inconveniencing other residents and footpath users,I'm very disappointed and now thinking of moving out.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

I've raised parking concerns and bin concerns ,parking has had zero done about it bins there was a temporary improvement but it's heading back to how it was, rats have been seen

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

That the rent increases would become ridiculous,that other tenants break the tenancy agreement with no comeback .

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

There are several small local shops close to the development and a primary school. ALDI is within walking distance. There is also a bus station with direct buses going to Newcastle and Sunderland. However, there is no direct bus link to Durham. Some houses are close to the street, so noise from cars and buses is routine. There is parking in the development area available for residents, but unfortunately it is not regulated, which causes inconvenience from time to time.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

All maintenance tickets were handled quickly and efficiently.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Houses near the street have more noise from the transport than initially anticipated.