PLANS to build special needs homes for people with learning difficulties have run into problems with planning officers.

James Thompson has applied to erect two, or three, eight-bedroomed homes on land opposite Lambton House, New Lambton, Bournmoor, Houghton-le-Spring.

Planning officers have recommended that Chester-le-Street District Council's planning committee today rejects the proposal because it conflicts with planning policies.

The site contains a number of single storey buildings, which are in a poor state, and is enclosed with a 1.8m galvanised steel palisade fence.

Mr Thompson said the land was an eyesore with unsightly shanty type buildings, used to house small livestock and stabling for horses over the winter.

He said the scheme would improve the appearance of the site by replacing the buildings with landscaped accommodation.

The complex could form an extension of the special needs facility which already operates at Lambton House opposite, and would provide up to 25 full-time permanent jobs, he said.

In a report to the committee meeting, planning officers said the site was within the green belt and outside the settlement boundary for Bourmoor.