A DEVELOPER has appealed against a council’s decision not to allow the company to build houses in place of a derelict former hospital it says is an ‘eyesore’.

Gleeson Homes applied for planning permission to demolish the former Homelands Hospital, in Helmington Row, near Crook, and develop 49 new houses in its place.

The site was originally developed as an isolation hospital in 1903, but closed in 2004 and has been disused ever since.

Durham County Council’s Planning Committee rejected the planning application last September, however an appeal has now been submitted by Gleeson Homes to the Planning Inspectorate.

A spokesman for Gleeson said it was disappointed with the decision because it thought the development would benefit local people.

“We were particularly disappointed that the planning committee refused planning approval because we thought that they understood that we would develop the land sensitively with low cost homes for local people,” a spokesman said.

“The refusal will deprive local construction workers the opportunity of working close to home, it will prevent young people from applying for apprenticeships with us and it will deprive first time buyers the opportunity of buying their first home.

“The derelict hospital is in a dangerous condition and is an eyesore. We have appealed to the Planning Inspectorate and we fully expect to win.”

The planning application was recommended for refusal by planning officers and councillors voted to deny the request 11 to one.

A report submitted to the committee said: “The proposal by reason of its density, layout and design would relate poorly to the character of its surroundings, while also failing to adequately safeguard the long-term vitality of all the retained protected trees around the perimeter of the site.

“Accordingly the proposal would have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the area.”

The former Homelands Hospital is outside of the boundary of Crook and is categorised as unsuitable within the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment.

The land is currently managed by the Homes and Communities Agency, a public body that looks after surplus government land.

A spokesman confirmed that in 2013, £20,000 of public money was spent on maintaining the land, ensuring that it is properly secured, insured and safe.

To view the planning application and the appeal documents, visit publicaccess.durham.gov.uk/online-applications/ and search reference 3/2013/0043.