A former specialist hospital which closed after an abuse scandal is set to be converted into flats. 

A proposal submitted by Dalton Mill Ltd details plans to convert the building, near Barnard Castle, from a care home to five residential properties.

The bid also includes plans to build three homes in the grounds along with a restoration of the estate's fencing, construction of stone entrances to the Hall and Coach house, new access to St Mary's Church graveyard extension and car parking.

Two public consultations on the plans were held at Whorlton Village Hall last year, where up to 90 per cent of respondents backed the plans for the restoration. 

Mrs Mary Stastny, a neighbouring resident and chairman of the Whorlton Village Community Association, said: "I fully support the scheme in every aspect. I understand that in order to raise enough money to restore the old hall and find a new use for it, three new dwellings will be built in the field at the end of our drive.

"I have been to all the public consultations and applaud the way the developer has explained his plans to the local community.

"I believe that the village can only benefit from the development and I see no problems with it. As far as I can tell the plans are well thought through and the designs are sympathetic to the local vernacular architecture.

"It is vital that a new use is found for Whorlton Hall and this scheme will be the least disruptive for the people of the village. It should go ahead."

However, not all of the responses were as favourable, with some residents sharing their frustrations with the number of developments being proposed in the area. 

Linda Alderson said: "After already having a lot of new developments within the village I feel along with many other people we have had quite enough.

"This is a very special location within the village being near the church which is very special to us all. Being near the church is a very peaceful place to reflect and wellbeing. I hope you consider our feelings."

A spokesperson for Dalton Mill Ltd, said: "We are thrilled with the feedback from the public consultations.

"We are determined to give Whorlton Hall a positive future."

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Whorlton Hall was the subject of an undercover BBC Panorama documentary in 2019 that found several staff members mistreated vulnerable patients.

Four former carers at the facility were found guilty in April 2023 and are due to be sentenced later this year. Five of their co-accused were all cleared of all charges.

The planning application is due to be considered by Durham County Council later this year.