Former Chester-le-Street social club could become housing

The former St Cuthbert’s RC Social Club in Chester-le-Street could become a ‘supported living’ facility but locals have criticised a lack of information and consultation. 

A separate application to demolish the venue and build two separate semi-detached houses was approved in March but will not go ahead. Instead, the new application details a “change of use from social club to residential institution (supported living) (class C2).” Partial demolition work would take place alongside internal and external changes. 

The former social club is located on Lumley Terrace at the intersection with Weldon Terrace in between rows of terraced housing, however, no further details about the proposal have been released. 

The former social club is located on Lumley Terrace (Image: The Northern Echo)

When the Local Democracy Service visited the site, residents said they were in the dark about the full scale of the proposal.  

The area’s proximity to the Riverside Cricket Ground means there are recurring traffic and parking issues throughout the year. 

Locals are concerned over the fact a “C2 residential institution” involves residential care homes, hospitals, nursing homes, boarding schools, residential colleges and training centres - but some say they have heard it could also fall under use Class 2a, which includes prisons, young offender institutions, detention centres and secure units. 

A statement by the applicant, North Heights Ltd, notes how the building could be transformed: “The design of the proposed development provides adequate bedroom space, private/ shared bathrooms, and an on-site office for 24-hour support to be provided to residents on site.”

It added that the former school’s “poor quality rear extensions” would be demolished, while the original school/ chapel would be retained. “Minor rebuilding works and major improvements to the fabric of the building will take place in order to create high-quality residential accommodation,” the statement added.  

But for Alison Thompson, a nearby resident, the application poses a potential risk to people’s safety.  She said: “I have lived here most of my life with my parents and my grandmother lived in Lambton Street. I felt safe growing up (playing out in the street and surrounding streets) and frequently went to my grandmother's on my own. Would children/young people feel safe outside if this development goes ahead? Would elderly people feel safe in their homes?”

Ron Lancaster, who lives opposite, said the only indication that the initially approved scheme was not going ahead was when an asbestos removal company began work, an operation that would not have been required if the building were to be demolished. 

He added: “When this was queried, I was told the building was to be used for "some other purpose. It is not clear how the supported living aspect of the scheme would be run. Without more information the public cannot make a considered decision.”

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Residents said they were in the dark about the full scale of the proposal (Image: The Northern Echo)

Cllr Julie Scurfield says she recognises the concerns over the methods of consultation and is supporting residents in the early stages of the planning process to ensure their voices are heard.

Stephen Reed, Durham County Council’s planning development manager, said: “In line with local planning guidance, we have publicised the application online and have sent notification letters to the properties within the closest proximity. We will also be posting site notices in the area in the coming week.

“This approach is consistent with similar applications and exceeds the minimum statutory requirement. The application will be determined by the planning committee where all comments received will be considered before any decision is made.”