PLANS to convert a classroom into a ground-floor flat have been submitted to Durham County Council.

Lee-Ann Booth, of Young Foundations, in Crook, has applied to change the use of the classroom at the charity's Mowbray House, in High Hope Street.

Mobray House caters for young adults aged 18 and above, who have a diagnosis of Autism, complex needs and communication difficulties.

In her application, Ms Booth said the classroom was currently "under-used" she wanted to change the use to allow a resident to use the new facility along with providing first-floor accommodation for an accompanying carer too.

Six additional car parking spaces would also be created if the plans are approved to help ease the current parking situation which the applicant said was "not satisfactory".

A design and access statement said the accommodation will provide "the opportunity for a single resident of Mowbray House to learn and practice life skills such as cooking, working and day-to-day living in a safe, quiet environment where those concerned can feel safe and be looked after by in-house trained staff."

However, one resident of nearby Coronation Street, said he opposed the plans on the basis of increased congestion and said a dangerous situation could be caused on the one-way street if the number of cars using it increased.

He also said his privacy would be affected especially in his garden and kitchen.

To view the application visit publicaccess.durham.gov.uk and search for planning application reference number DM/18/02194/FPA. The plans are currently pending consideration.