THE design of a proposed extra care home, described by one district councillor as more MFI than PFI, nevertheless received approval from Durham County Council planning committee on Wednesday.

The scheme for the Stoneleigh site at Barnard Castle was submitted by Hanover Housing Association as part of a PFI (private finance initiative), but met with resistance from Teesdale District Council, which was consulted for views two weeks ago.

In a rare show of solidarity members of the planning south committee unanimously agreed with their officer's recommendation to refuse the design he described as poor and unneighbourly.

However, members of the county planning committee were unmoved by the comments, which had been backed by the town council. The county took less than half an hour to determine the application alongside two others.

Its decision followed the advice of head of planning, John Suckling, who although acknowledging "some weaknesses in the detailed design of the scheme" felt it represented an acceptable approach to the issues generated by a difficult site.

The decision to close Stoneleigh is still subject to a legal challenge over a human rights issue, but this did not affect consideration of the planning issue.

On hearing of the approval, chairman of Teesdale planning south committee, Coun Robin Simpson, told the D&S Times that members would be very disappointed in view of the comments they had put forward.

"They felt it was totally out of place in Barnard Castle and of very poor design. It is not acceptable in terms of its position in a sensitive area and in the way it will overlook neighbouring buildings."

Teesdale's head of planning Ken Hughes said: "I am very disappointed that such a poor standard and design has been accepted for such a prominent location. This was an opportunity to present a good design which recognised the quality of what is around it."

If the legal situation is resolved in the county council's favour, it is expected to press on with building the 36 flats and associated facilities as quickly as possible