EXTENDING the conservation area of a picturesque County Durham village to include a crumbling red brick eyesore could present an “exceptional opportunity” for potential developers.

The possible inclusion of the boarded up former St Peter's School, at Gainford, between Barnard Castle and Darlington, in a revised conservation area, raised concerns among residents.

The building, which was last used as a nursing home, has stood empty for the past 15 years.

All efforts to redevelop the site have have failed and the building has fallen into a state of severe disrepair.

However, in a draft conservation area appraisal, Durham County Council says St Peter's should be included.

Sandra Robertson, heritage, landscape and design team leader, said if the site was made part of the conservation area, it would help it hold its value and bring extra kudos to the area.

“A red brick site of this scale on a major road means developers can get some substantial real estate.

“Rather than being a hindrance or obstacle to development, it is an exceptional opportunity to design something different.”

Mrs Robertson urged residents to consider the building not in its current state but how it might be used in the future.

“I know it has extremely negative connotations for people now, but this is a bad representation of its whole lifespan,” she said.

“The present situation is not a positive one other than we have not lost something we may regret losing further down the line.”

If the decision is taken to incorporate St Peter's into Gainford's conservation area, Mrs Robertson said the presumption was in favour of keeping the building rather than seeing it demolished.

“We would hope new development would try to incorporate the most impressive parts of it,” she said.

“We are not saying it absolutely must stay. It is an asset that is not listed but needs to be given full consideration.”

Residents will get their say at a second village consultation event on Friday, July 5, at Gainford Village Hall, from 2.30pm-6.30pm.

Mrs Robertson stressed that conservation areas were based on consensus and all views and comments received would be taken into consideration.

Following Friday's event, a conservation area proposal will be prepared and will involve another formal consultation period.

After this, it is anticipated a final decision will be made by Durham County Council's cabinet in October.