PLANS to transform a former care home into a residential centre with training facilities have been backed by councillors.

Stanfield House at Stanley is to be changed into 14 one bedroom flats, three training rooms, 15 offices suites and a community café.

The application, from Apeks Property Services, was approved by members of Durham County Council’s planning committee at County Hall on Thursday.

The centre will be run by the charity Positive Directions, which is part of First Point Training, and available to all members of the community

In a supporting statement, the applicant said: “The development proposals will bring back into use a vacant building, which has been constantly vandalised whilst standing empty, in a prominent location adjacent to Stanley town centre for a range of uses that will significantly benefit the community.

“The development proposals will also support the provision of jobs in Stanley by providing office accommodation for individuals and small businesses.

“The proposed café, open to local residents, and training rooms will be of significant community benefit.”

Senior planning officer Steve France wrote a report for members advising them to approve the scheme.

He said: “It is not for one social group in particular. There is no communal care element to this accommodation. This is 14 individual flats for sale or rent.”

County councillor Olga Milburn, who represents the area, said concerns raised by nearby residents over who would be using the centre have been allayed by the organisation behind the plan.

She said: “Concerns were raised by people who live around there, many of whom were elderly.

“They have now spoken to the applicant about this and they have sorted out any niggles.

“We have gone through this with a fine tooth comb and I do not think there is anything else I need to raise.”

The former Durham County Council care home was closed by the authority in 2011 and sold two years later.

Planning committee chairman Carl Marshall said: “It has become a bit of blight on the community in Stanley in recent years and I am really pleased to see this application come forward as a valid application.

“The property will be brought back into use and it builds on the regeneration of this part of Stanley.

“It will tidy a main gateway into the town centre.”