Plans to replace sheltered flats in Ferryhill with bungalows approved by planning committee (From The Northern Echo)

Plans to replace sheltered flats in Ferryhill with bungalows approved by planning committee

11:54am Friday 22nd February 2013 in News By Lizzie Anderson

PLANS to replace a sheltered accommodation complex with 12 new bungalows have been approved despite fears it could cause parking problems.

Social housing provider livin’s application to knock down Cleves Cross Grange in Ferry Hill and replace it with two-bedroom bungalows for elderly people was given the green light by Durham County Council’s planning committee yesterday(Thursday, February 21).

A car park containing one designated space per residence and four visitor spaces will also be created.

However, Margaret Lawson, who lives nearby on Morpeth Close, told the committee this would not be adequate and said the lack of parking bays would cause problems for other residents.

She said carers, friends and relatives visiting elderly residents in Morpeth Close relied on the Cleves Cross Grange car park.

“Three residents have carers coming four times a day,” she said. “Where are they supposed to park? That is my worry at the moment.”

Andrew Inch, principal planning officer, said 16 spaces was sufficient, given the age of the new residents who will all be 60 or over.

He also emphasised the fact the existing car park was private land and that highways had no objections to the scheme.

A vote was taken and the application was unanimously approved.