WORK has started on a £6m sheltered housing development on the site of a former care home.

Construction got underway this week on the site of the former Lynwood House, in Lanchester, which is being converted into 33 apartments for the over 55s and a new medical centre to serve the village.

The building was one of seven council-run residential care homes closed in October 2010.

Social landlord Derwentside Homes is building the two-bedroom en-suite apartments, 13 of which will be for sale while the rest will be made available for rent, while the doctors’ surgery will be funded and owned by Trinity Medical Properties Ltd.

Stephen Melvin, Director of Development and Property Services at Derwentside Homes, said: "We are delighted to see work commence on Lynwood House.

"The development will provide much needed accommodation for the over 55’s as well as providing facilities that will benefit the local area.

"Lynwood House is now our fourth major refurbishment project and will see the creation of luxury apartments and communal facilities.

"We have already fully refurbished sheltered courts at Magdalene Court in Medomsley and Haven House in Leadgate, while Castle Court in Annfield Plain is nearing completion and is expected to open this Spring.

"By working with Durham County Council, local GP’s and community groups, we have been able to ensure that Lynwood House will meet the needs of the local community and like all our other sheltered housing schemes, we are expecting high demand for the properties once they are completed."

The scheme is expected to be completed in 2014.