(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
What is the Public Notice Portal?
The Public Notice Portal carries statutory public notices published in local newspapers and is the fastest and most effective way of finding out what is happening in YOUR neighbourhood.
Search the Public Notice Portal
Plans to turn two homes near a primary school into residential care accommodation for adults have been approved despite concerns from neighbours.
Durham County Council has granted planning permission to change the use of houses on Church Hill in Crook into two care homes for up to six adults aged 18 to 65.
The homes will provide 24-hour care and support for adults with learning disabilities and will be staffed around the clock.
Fourteen staff will work across the two properties, including managers and support workers.
Three objections were submitted during the consultation process.
Residents raised concerns about the proximity of St Cuthbert's RC Primary School, the presence of elderly residents nearby, parking pressures and road safety on Church Hill.
Some objectors also expressed fears about the welfare of local people and children.
Planning officers said the homes would provide a managed environment with trained staff on site at all times and found no evidence the proposal would create unacceptable impacts on neighbouring residents.
Read more
Plans for 299 homes including new bungalows on edge of County Durham village
Plans to link wind farm powering 3m homes to East Durham coast advance
Solar farm near Bishop Auckland could be refused as councillors discuss 'mad' plans
Highways officers also raised no objections, noting the site already has 11 parking spaces and that vehicle movements were unlikely to be significantly greater than those generated by large family homes.
The council noted that planning permission had already been granted in 2023 for the same properties to be used as children's care homes, although plans never materialised.
Conditions attached to the approval restrict the properties to adults with learning disabilities aged between 18 and 65 and limit occupancy to six residents.