CAMPAIGNERS who fought a proposal to open a children’s home in their village are again celebrating after an appeal against a council’s refusal of the plan was thrown out.

In January, Durham County Council refused permission for Lilac House, in Hunwick, near Crook, to be turned into accommodation for youngsters with emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Eyes (UK) had wanted to turn the five-bedroom detached house into a home for four children aged 11 to 17-years-old and two members of staff.

More than 100 residents objected and councillors turned down the application on the grounds that it could lead to an increase in crime and fear of crime and its impact on sustainability.

The authority also expressed concern over the lack of need for the facility locally and that children placed there would be from outside the county, increasing the need for travel - points the appellant disagreed with.

Planning inspector Martin Seaton considered the appeal by Eyes (UK) and felt the home would be in an appropriately sustainable location, would not be an adverse impact on highway safety and that living conditions of neighbouring occupiers would be safeguarded.

But dismissing the appeal he added: “The appeal proposal would be unacceptable due to its effect on the local community and community cohesion through a realistic fear of crime.”