A HOUSING charity has won temporary planning permission to convert a home for the elderly into accommodation for former services personnel.

Single Homeless Action Initiative in Derwentside (SHAID) plans to use the St Peter’s Court complex of 16 self-contained flats, off Front Street in Sacriston, to house people who have left the forces up to five years previously.

The building, near a home for the elderly, was originally restricted by its planning permission for use purely as a home for the elderly.

SHAID applied earlier this year to turn the complex into accommodation for vulnerable younger people but ran into opposition from residents and was refused permission by Durham County Council.

The charity says the aim of its plan is to help former service personnel re-integrate into civilian life and give them the help and support they need.

The support would be available 24 hours a day through support workers, information workers and an on-site manager who would help with issues such as benefits, health, education and training.

Police, who objected to the previous application, raised no opposition to the latest scheme.

There were three letters of objection from villagers. The North Area Planning Committee heard concerns included the possibility that teenagers would be attracted to the site to cause trouble.

Objectors also said there was a lack of accommodation for the elderly and the current use should be retained.

Some objectors felt the facility should be near a hospital that specialises in helping former service personnel and there were concerns about the mental health of the residents.

Councillors heard that a consultation event generated two letters of support.

Planning officer Steven Pilkington said the planned complex was in a “sustainable location’’ near the town centre.

He said the applicants had not set out a need for the facility.

Permission was granted for three years only, which will give the council time to monitor and review the impact of the facility on the community