A PLANNED private nursing home looks likely to be refused planning permission because it is next to a busy shopping area.

Horizon Care Homes wants to build the 44-bed home behind Front Street, Framwellgate Moor, Durham.

But tomorrow, Durham City Council's development control committee will be recommended to reject the application.

Officials are concerned that the development will be out of scale and character with the area and that because of its location residents will not have pleasant views to look at.

Twelve residents, three businesses and the City of Durham Trust are objecting to the scheme.

Environmental services corporate director Neil Smith says in a report to the committee that "nursing homes should be located within a pleasant, quiet and private environment where the residents can expect to enjoy a reasonable quality of life.

"Given the nature of the development, where many residents will venture no further than the home and its immediate surroundings, such homes should ideally have an interesting aspect with attractive views.

"The proposed home is to be situated to the rear of a row of commercial properties, overlooking in part the service yard of a supermarket and a public car park.

"This backland site would not, in my view, offer residents a quiet or attractive environment, with the potential for disturbance from delivery vehicles and public using the car parking areas around the home.''

He said that little amenity space would be provided for residents in the development.