PLANS have been submitted to turn a Willington bungalow into a home for children with physical disabilities.

Hennessy Children’s Services has applied to Durham County Council for permission to change the use of a house at the top of Cumberland Terrace into a residential home called Willow Lodge.

In a report to the council’s planning department, Davis Planning Partnership, acting on behalf of Hennessy, said the six-bedroom bungalow stands in its own grounds and would provide accommodation for up to four children with staff.

Children would be aged up to 17 and would mostly come from within a 30-mile radius of Willington, the report said.

Changes would be made inside the bungalow to make it more accessible but the outside would be unaltered apart from wheelchair ramps at the entrances.

In January, members of Durham County Council’s planning committee rejected a change of use for Lilac House in nearby Hunwick to become a home for children with emotional difficulties due to residents’ objections and a fear of a rise in crime.

In its report, Hennessy said it wanted to “stress the differences” between the two applications.

The report said: “This application is for a home to provide care for children with physical disabilities, not emotional or behavioural difficulties.

“The children are encouraged to integrate with the community and attend local schools and community activities.

“There is no reason or evidence for fear of crime in association with the application.”

Davis Planning Partnership also said it held an open day for nearby residents at the beginning of the month with a positive response to the plans.