PLANS to turn a former nursing home into a home for vulnerable young people have been withdrawn.

South Church Nursing and Residential Home, near Bishop Auckland, was boarded up last year and has remained empty ever since.

A planning application had been submitted to Durham County Council to see a clause allowing the site only to be used for a nursing home removed.

Had it been successful, the applicant was hoping to apply for permission to create a children’s home.

Residents were worried about how the project would affect their community and a number of objections, relating to noise and anti-social behaviour, were submitted.

After hearing the news that the application had been withdrawn, one resident said: “At the moment everyone is relaxed and happy.

“If you look at what would be ideal for the site I don’t think people would be concerned if it was re-opened as a care home.

“Of course there is a potential problem if the applicant sells on the site then we will have to keep an eye on what happens.”

Durham County Council confirmed the application has been withdrawn.