Plans approved for sheltered accommodation to be built on former primary school site

The site of a former school blighted by drug use and rough sleepers could get a new lease of life.
The site of the former Eden Community Primary School in Peterlee.The site of the former Eden Community Primary School in Peterlee.
The site of the former Eden Community Primary School in Peterlee.

Plans have been approved by Durham County Council leaders for sheltered accommodation to be built on what was once Peterlee’s Eden Community Primary School.

The decision means the land, near Robson Avenue, could be cleared for the construction of more than 70 self-contained apartments, as well as hair salon, laundry, offices and other facilities.

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The application was praised by Coun Audrey Laing, who represents Durham County Council’s Peterlee East division.

“This land has been derelict for about 11 years,” she said, “and in that time there’s been anti-social behaviour, there’s been drugs, there’s been people sleeping rough and therefore I’m delighted to [propose approval] of this application.”

Coun Laing was speaking at a meeting of the county council’s planning committee for central and east Durhamm on Tuesday, December 10.

The application also included an agreement for the applicant to pay almost £100,000 towards infrastructure and other improvements in County Durham, with more than £18,000 earmarked for upgrades to healthcare provision.

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“Extra care [also known as sheltered housing or assisted living] affords older people the opportunity to stay living in their own home, with their own front door, in a supported living community,” said Alistair Mitchell, of SPA Architects.

“Packages are available allowing people to live a life of choice and extra care provides a ready made community for elderly people and can reduce isolation.”