PLANS to pull down a former care home which shut in 2010 and put 25 houses on the site have been approved.

North Star Housing Group has secured planning permission to demolish the boarded-up East Green House Care Home, in West Auckland, to make way for the development of affordable rental properties.

It will build eight bungalows and 17 two-storey houses, with two or three bedrooms.

Planning officer Amy Williamson told Durham County Council's area planning committee (south and west) the scheme would bring a number of benefits to the village including reuse of a brownfield site and extra affordable rented housing.

Members approved the application unanimously.