PLANS to convert a former nursing home site in to a housing development are to be discussed by councillors.

Aimgo, the company which ran Manor House Care Home, at Medomsley, near Consett, has submitted a planning application to Durham County Council.

The Victorian building, if approved, is to be converted into three homes with a further 11 new houses on the Manor Road site.

The council has received nine objections from nearby residents expressing numerous concerns.

Senior planning case officer Steve France said: “The proposals are considered an inappropriate development in the conservation area, and to have a detrimental effect on the setting of the Manor House.

“Proposals to restore the Manor House are welcomed, but not at the expense of the amount of development proposed.

“The style and character of the suggested dwellings is considered too grand, challenging the necessary visual primacy of the Manor House."

Some residents have objected to tree works in the proposals and have requested ‘proper management of the protected woodland area’.

Other concerns relate to the overlooking of properties, with a loss of amenity and privacy and a loss of light.

People have also expressed fears the development could harm wildlife, cause traffic problems and exacerbate an existing lack of facilities and school places in the village.

The Manor House dates back to 1877, and it changed to a residential institution in the late 1980s before its final closure early in 2014.

In its statement, the applicant said: “The proposed development will enhance the façade of the building by removing the extensions that diverge from the Victorian character of the building.

“Given that the site is shielded from Manor Road by a large grouping of trees, the development will have negligible impact on the identifying features of the conservation area.

“Careful consideration has been given to the design of the dwellings to make sure they are appropriate for the village setting.”

The issue will be debated at the Area Planning Committee (North) in the Council Chamber at County Hall in Durham on Thursday at 2pm.

A report prepared for councillors recommends the scheme's approval, with conditions.