A CENTRE of excellence for the care of autistic people could be created on the site of a hotel popular as a wedding venue, it has emerged.

Health chiefs have unveiled plans to transform the Newbus Arms Hotel, at Neasham, near Darlington, into a nursing care home for people with severe learning disabilities.

The 17th Century country mansion, originally known as Newbus Grange, was embroiled in controversy last year when it was put up for sale at £890,000 - throwing many couples into disarray as they were forced to look for alternative wedding venues.

It was closed in September, sparking speculation about its potential future use.

Now, Darlington-based Castlebeck Care, which specialises in caring for people with life-long autism and communication problems, believes the quiet setting would be ideal for such a centre.

Up to 18 people, aged from 18 to 55, could be cared for at Newbus Grange.

In a letter to planners at Darlington Borough Council, Castlebeck said it is "keen to pursue the possibility of Newbus Grange becoming a specialist autistic unit within our main service."

The majority of the proposed residents would not be able to access shops and other facilities independently, and would otherwise be vulnerable to road traffic and other environmental risks.

The firm says: "The individuals we are considering for a specialist autistic service present challenges to their carers because of the complexity of their disabilities and their difficulties with communication.

"They are not individuals, however, who present a risk to the general public. They may be noisy at times, but to no greater degree than some non-disabled individuals who might use the bar facilities of a hotel, for example."

Referrals come from the NHS or social services, but Castlebeck does not look after people who need high levels of security. There would be ten qualified and 26 ancillary staff, supported on a 24-hour basis by senior psychiatry and psychology specialists. It is hoped that staff could be recruited locally.

The application is due to be considered by members of the council's planning committee in the next few months.