MEMBERS of a community's voluntary sector have spoken of their dismay after councillors rejected plans to convert a former elderly people's home into offices for a range of organisations.

Derwentside Community Volunteer Service (CVS) said it would appeal against the decision by the district council's development control committee meeting.

Glenroyd House, in Medomsley Road, Consett, had been targeted by vandals and arsonists, was earmarked for demolition, but was saved by Durham County councillors who chose to lease it to the CVS for a peppercorn rent.

The organisation estimated its service would attract 20 to 30 visitors a day, based on experience at the Tommy Armstrong Centre, in Stanley.

Principal planning officer Fiona Clarke advised councillors to back the scheme.

In a report to councillors, she said it would be difficult to argue that vehicle movements would differ from its existing planning use and people attending would probably not arrive by car.

But members rejected it on the grounds of difficulties with access via Larch Street.

Following a site visit, Councillor Hilary Christer told the meeting: "I really think this is a dangerous road and feel sorry for the residents.

"There is not enough room to come in or out of that small road on the bend and the amount of space at the site is not ample for safe parking."

Speaking after the meeting, Derwentside CVS chief executive Janice Docherty rejected these arguments.

She said: "I am dismayed by the decision.

"It is denying the people of Consett of an invaluable resource centre and we will be appealing against the decision.

"The planning officers recommended approval and the highways authority did not object."

She added: "Nearly 50 per cent of people in Derwentside are not car owners.

"This building is just a wallk from the Consett bus station, and would have a video conference facility to the Tommy Armstrong Centre."

She said a number of community and voluntary organisations - including the Citizens Advice Bureau, the homeless charity Centrepoint, Royal Society for the Blind and Stonman Housing - had expressed an interest in office space.