A COMMUNAL hall is to close and be converted into a bungalow, despite the anger of local councillors.

Durham City Homes has been given the go-ahead to turn semi-detached 63 Marlene Avenue, in Bowburn, near Durham, into a three-bedroom bungalow.

Local county councillors Jan Blakey and Mac Williams are angry they were not consulted until after a planning application was filed.

Coun Blakey told a meeting of Durham County Council’s central and east area planning committee held at County Hall today (Tuesday, February 11): “We lost another facility on Lawson Road 18 months ago.

“I’m sad to see it go.”

But she added: “I can understand that it will help a disabled individual have quality of life in nice surroundings.”

The committee heard the facility was used only about seven times a year, although Coun Williams disputed this figure.

Committee chairman Coun Paul Taylor urged his colleagues to take up their concerns with Durham City Homes, which manages the council’s houses in the former Durham City district.

Planning permission was approved unanimously.