Plan for 71-apartment 'extra care' development on site of former primary school

Plans to build a new retirement facility on a former Peterlee primary school site have been lodged with council planners.
Picture c/o Google StreetviewPicture c/o Google Streetview
Picture c/o Google Streetview

Earlier this month, proposals were submitted to Durham County Council for a site north of Robson Avenue.

The land forms part of the former Eden Community Primary School site and has been vacant since the school closed in 2008.

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While other parts of the site are sidelined for housing, the northern section could be transformed into a 71-apartment ‘extra care’ building.

Extra care housing is designed for people with health needs or disabilities who don’t want to move into residential or nursing homes.

The sites typically include self-contained homes which have support services to help residents live independently.

In Peterlee, the new facility would include 54 one-bedroom and 17 two-bedroom apartments and several communal facilities.

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A further 32 car parking spaces, four disability spaces and eight cycle spaces would also be provided on site.

And according to planning documents, up to 23 jobs could be created from the development.

A design statement says the plans were drafted in response to the “general increase in the elderly population of Peterlee.”

It adds: “Residents retain their own apartment and front door, with supporting services on site, therefore controlling the level of independence they wish to maintain

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“On site services include a catering facility and communal dining area, communal lounges a salon and treatment room and most importantly, a 24/7 care service ensuring all resident’s needs can be catered for in their own home.

“Residents therefore remain part of a wider community which in turn reduces levels of loneliness often associated with the elderly, particularly for those which have impaired mobility.

“The 71 apartments, a mix of one and two beds, will ensure the release of many family houses back into the housing market, increasing accessibility tosuch housing for younger families.”

A final decision on the plans is expected by November 18, after a period of public consultation.

Comments can be made on the application until Tuesday, September 17.

For more information, visit https://publicaccess.durham.gov.uk/online-applications/ and search planning ref: DM/19/02667/FPA