PLANS to turn a former care home into £6m community facility have been unveiled.

Lynwood House, in Lanchester , was closed by Durham County Council, in October 2010 to cut costs.

The site has been acquired by Derwentside Homes, which has submitted a planning application to create 33 two-bedroom en-suite apartments for the over 55s, a doctors’ surgery, and a community space.

Steve Melvin, director of development and property services at Derwentside Homes, said: “Lynwood House will offer much needed accommodation for the over 55s as well as providing community facilities that will benefit the local area.  

“We understand the importance of independent living for older people and have already carried out major refurbishment projects to our existing sheltered courts, such as Magdalene Court in Medomsley and Haven House in Leadgate, creating luxury apartments and state-of-the-art communal facilities.

“By working with Durham County Council, local GPs and community groups, we have been able to ensure that Lynwood House will meet the needs of the local community and we are sure that, should this development get the go ahead, there will be high demand for the properties once they are completed.”  

The development is being paid for by Derwentside Homes, with support from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), with the doctors’ surgery funded by Trinity Medical Group and occupied by Park House Surgery, which currently has a practice in the village.

The apartments will offer luxury accommodation for older people to live independently, with thirteen available for sale with the rest offered for rent through the social housing association.

The development is being designed by Edwards Architecture.

Plans have been submitted to Durham County Council with a decision expected by the end of November.