PLANS for new homes on the site of a former school blighted by vandalism and fly-tipping have been given the go-ahead.

The ex-St Peter’s School site in Gainford has been vacant for decades with part of the site being demolished following a suspicious fire in 2016.

After several years of proposals for the site failing to materialise, a major homes plan was approved by councillors this week.

This includes converting the existing Victorian red brick building into nine flats and building 48 homes on the wider site.

As part of the plans from applicant Kebbell Homes, public open space will be created.

And a total of 20 per cent of homes – or 11 units – will also be classed as affordable for future tenants.

On Thursday, councillors rubber stamped the plans at Durham County Council’s South and West Area Planning Committee.

The proposals follow a period of consultation with Gainford residents in early 2018, the meeting heard, which saw the developer distribute 600 leaflets.

While some residents called for school buildings to be demolished, developers and planners pressed ahead to incorporate the remnant Victorian buildings into the final scheme.

Director of ELG Planning, Ian Lyle, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said the building would be kept in use due to its “important and prominent location at the entrance of the conservation area”.

“This is considered to be a sustainable development in a sustainable location on the edge of the village with a good range of community and local services,” he told councillors at Durham County Council’s Spennymoor offices. “It will address the amenity issues that have blighted this site for many years and significantly improve the overall perceptions of the village and the conservation area.”

Planning officers also concluded that any impacts on the wider area would not outweigh economic and social benefits. Barnard Castle East councillor, George Richardson, said the scheme was long overdue.

“Finally, it’s the first word I think of,” he said, “this is my ward and it has been talked about for 30 years that I know about.”

He added: “I was one who would have favoured the demolition as a whole but we are where we are.

“I would be grateful to see this developed and see no hesitation in moving approval.”

Acting chairman, Councillor John Clare, also welcomed the scheme noting the area had become a “site of blight” in recent years.

“Everybody, who like me, who drives into Gainford, (the school building) is the first thing you see, it’s a very distinctive and beautiful building,” he added.

“The fact that it’s going to be retained will be an advantage.”

A council report, presented to councillors, stressed there would be enough school places in the area to absorb the increase in homes.

When completed, the development will be made up of 16 two-bedroom, 23 three-bedroom and nine four-bedroom homes and the remaining Victorian building will be converted into six one-bedroom and three two-bedroom flats.

St Peter’s School was built in 1899, initially as an orphanage and then became a residential school for around 100 pupils. After closing in 1983, the building was used as a nursing home between 1986 and 1998.

As part of the planning approval, the developer will pay funds to the council as part of a section 106 agreement. The £37,791 sum will be used to create and maintain open space on the site.