PLANS to turn a former nursing home into housing have been approved by councillors.

Aimgo, the firm that operated Manor House Care Home, in Consett, sought consent for the Victorian building to be turned into three homes.

The scheme also involves building a further 11 houses on the site, off Medomsley Road.

Neighbours had objected, saying the development would harm wildlife, cause traffic problems and increase pressure on local facilities and schools.

The council’s senior planning case officer Steve France welcomed the restoration of Manor House, but “not at the expense of the amount of development proposed”.

However, Durham County Council’s north area planning committee approved planning permission when it met at County Hall on Thursday (October 29).

Built in 1877, the Manor House became a residential home in the late 1980s but closed last year.

The firm said the scheme would improve the façade of the building by removing later extensions and given the site is shielded by trees it would have negligible impact on the conservation area.