PLANNERS are to decide whether to move a council's social care and health office from Stanley to nearby Annfield Plain.

Durham County Council wants to move the service from the old school building, in Front Street, to a new building, in Greencroft Industrial Park.

The authority believes the current premises are too outdated for the service's needs.

Instead, it will use the building as a one-stop-shop for council services and a library.

The matter will be discussed at the council's planning committee on Wednesday.

If it is approved, a building will be created near the Greencroft and Great Lumley Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Great crested newts have been recorded as breeding in a pond close to the site, and an ecological risk assessment has been produced as part of the application.

It concluded the A693 would provide an effective barrier to stop the newts reaching the site.

English Nature and the Environment Agency were consulted and neither objected to the plan, although English Nature did recommend temporary fencing around the structure during building work.

A report to go before the planning committee said 111 staff would be employed at the new building, with 79 operating at maximum capacity.

It is expected to be in use between 7.30am and 7.30pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional use at weekends.

A car park would be created next to the building with spaces for 40 vehicles, including four disabled bays and eight cycle places.

The authority's highways management department suggested an overspill car park should also be created to avoid parking problems on the access road at busy times.

The report said: "The proposal would enable the relocation of the Stanley Social Care and Health Office to a purpose-built office that facilitates modern working methods.

"The design and layout of the scheme is acceptable in planning terms and would complement other office developments on Greencroft Industrial Park.

"Car parking levels within the proposed development would be high, but in view of the site location, number of persons employed and the views of the head of highway management, it is considered this element of the scheme can be accommodated."

The rest of the site would be made available to a private develop for future development.

Councillors are being advised to support the proposal