A CARE home with 72 bedrooms has been approved by planning officers in north Durham, despite fears about parking problems.

Derwentside District Council gave planning permission for a Gary Lewis Care Centre, in Wear Road, Stanley, last year, but the company submitted an amended application.

Minor modifications mean part of the building could be used as a young disabled persons' unit.

The eastern wing of the building needs to be as much as four metres wider, to create larger bedrooms for people with wheelchairs.

One nearby resident is concerned that the home will mean less parking for those living nearby.

A letter of objection was submitted to the council. It read: "The residents of Wear Road already have limited parking opportunities, due to the overspill from the Stanley Day Centre.

"I envisage the situation becoming worse, considering staff, residents and visitors at the new care home."

Council officers advised that the scheme be approved because they believe no extra traffic would be generated.