PLANS to convert an old people's home into 11 apartments has won approval.
Durham County Council's north area planning committee approved today, (Thursday, January 31) the scheme for the former Oakwood Residential Home in South Crescent, Fence Houses, near Chester-le-Street.
A decision had been due at a previous meeting but councillors deferred it because there were concerns about access to the building's car park.
Councillors heard that the issue had been settled and that planning officers considered the development would be acceptable and would not harm residential amenity.
The developer will pay the council £11,000 in lieu of providing open space.
The committee is also asking that the car park be lit after Liberal Democrat leader Nigerl Martin raised concern about car park users' safety.
He said: " I certainly have concern about people's on winter nights putting their cars there and then walking out of what is a rather gloomy site."
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