Plans to formally greenlight the conversion of a former nursing home into residential properties have been approved by the council.

The property, formerly Lucan Lodge, located in Sycamore Terrace, Haswell, Durham, has been converted into two four-bedroom homes.

The application, submitted by Tina Robinson and represented by Cummings Architects Ltd, was granted retrospective permission on October 25, despite concern from local residents and the intervention of the area's MP.

Lucan Lodge, which had been operating as a nursing home, closed in 2016 and has since been used as a residential dwelling.

The conversion work began on July 1, 2019, and was completed before the application was made in 2023.

The site, which spans 1,593 square metres, retains its existing five parking spaces with no proposed changes to vehicle or pedestrian access.

Approval comes with a set of conditions, including starting within three years of the approval date, and adhering to the approved plans and relevant policies.

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Approved dwellings are prohibited from being used as short-term holiday accommodation (less than 90 days) to protect the residential character and amenities of neighbouring properties.

However, the conversion has not been without controversy.

Mr Ernie Dent, a neighbouring resident, expressed concerns about potential noise and disturbance.

Mr Dent, 81, highlighted significant issues with noise and traffic during the COVID-19 pandemic when the neighbouring property was used as a holiday let.

He fears a recurrence of such issues, which he claims affected his "quiet enjoyment" of his home, causing significant stress to him and his family.

He also raised concerns about potential increases in traffic due to the change of use.

Mr Dent's objections were supported by Easington MP Grahame Morris, who formally raised the matter with Durham County Council.

The council acknowledged Mr Dent's objections and imposed conditions to prevent the approved dwellings from being used as short-term holiday lets.

Durham County Council's decision to grant retrospective planning permission marks a formal recognition of the change in use of the property, despite its conversion being completed over four years ago.