THE latest in a series of revised plans for a controversial care home that has run into opposition from residents has been lodged with planners.

John Oates and Premier Quality Developments are applying to Durham County Council for approval for a 99-bed home on the site of a former council depot in Picktree Lane, Chester-le-Street.

In February the now defunct Chester-le-Street District Council rejected proposals for a 104-bed development, despite officers recommending approval, following an outcry from residents concerned about the impact on the area.

The applicants lodged an appeal against that decision, which is likely to go to a public enquiry.

Meanwhile a revised scheme has been submitted in the hope that it will prove acceptable.

The site, near the town centre, used to be a highways department depot for the county council and has been the subject of several planning applications.

It already has planning permission for a 60-bed nursing home and documents lodged by the firm with the council say this scheme has "lawfully commenced'' but will "not prejudice the development of the site for the current proposal.''

In March of last year, the district council rejected the firm's plans for a 104-bed home over concerns about the impact of the development and its scale, massing and design.

But in August, councillors approved plans for an 88-bed care home on the casting vote of chairman Ralph Harrison, despite objections.

The firm then came back again with revised plans for a 104-bed home, once again drawing opposition from people living nearby.

The firm says in its submission to county planners that the latest application is to "build upon'' the planning permission already won and come up with a better building than that for which there is consent.

A submission from agents Ward Hadaway says: "The proposed development sets both environmental and care management standards that are not within the existing generation of residential care facilities, including all new build facilities that have been built within the county to date.

"The intention is to establish a residential care home that closes the gap between the existing stock of residential care homes and those more extensive facilities established by the Extra Care facilities operated by the county council in Ouston.''

The application will be considered by the council's planning committee later this year.