CONTROVERSIAL proposals to convert a house to care for needy children have been approved by planning chiefs.

Derwentside District Council's development control committee agreed to plans for The Lilacs, in Consett Road, Castleside, near Consett, which had divided the village.

Twenty letters of objection and a petition with 54 signatures cited parking and traffic problems.

But supporters of the plans, who criticised some of the comments made, said the issue of traffic fears was a smokescreen.

A storm erupted when Shaun Joyce announced plans to open the home to provide one-to-one care for children who are diagnosed with learning difficulties such as Down's Syndrome, autism or epilepsy.

None of the children, aged eight to 17, would have criminal convictions or other behavioural problems.

Mr Joyce, a community nurse from Shotley Bridge, said: "A lot of the complaints were initially very bigoted, but then they took a different tack and tried to hit me with highway issues.

"I want to provide a much-needed service. There will only be five young people and six staff on site at any one time.

"We are trying to help to ensure that families are able to remain part of their children's lives instead of having to send them to residential schools.

Highway chiefs did not raise concerns, as long as the existing entrance is widened.

Objectors have rejected claims of bigotry. One, who did not wish to be named, said: "This is to do with genuine traffic concerns. It is a busy road with trucks and we feel the highway issues have not been looked at properly.

"We also feel the house is unsuited for the purpose."