A NOTORIOUS eyesore on the outskirts of Gainford may be turned into a luxury retirement village.

The former St Peter's School has been derelict for more than a decade and a target for crime over many years.

It was recently made more secure, but a stalemate has existed between its two owners, Kebbell Homes and Blackthorn Homes, and Gainford Parish Council and Teesdale District Council.

Blackthorn Homes has now unveiled plans to create a complex of 70 apartments on its section of the building. Two new wings would be constructed and the development would boast a swimming pool, gym, bistro and enough parking for more than 60 cars.

Gainford parish councillor Tim Madgwick, said: "We are generally positive with regards to the initial plans. But it is early days and there is quite a long way to go.

"Blackthorn are very keen to start a consultation with Gainford villagers to see exactly what they want, which we also welcome."

Jon England, a spokesman for Blackthorn Homes, said: "We have provided the planning authority with information they are reasonably comfortable with and we are confident that a planning application would be approved.

"We will be having a consultation to see what the community wants from the site because we would hope there would be facilities that everyone could use."

Coun Madgwick said he hoped Blackthorn's plans would kick-start Kebbell Homes into taking more action.

"We are pleased with the way Blackthorn has consulted with the district council and with the village and we hope Kebbell can follow suit.

"There is no point having this wonderful site if there is still an eyesore in the background."

Maria Ferguson, planning officer at Teesdale District Council, said: "We can confirm that there have been discussions with Blackthorn with respect to redeveloping the section of the site.

"A public consultation exercise will be undertaken by the developers to gauge public feeling and enable people to have an input into the final proposed scheme where appropriate."

The plans for the development will be displayed in Gainford Village Hall for residents to look at on the weekend of May 9, 10 and 11.

A surgery, where residents can quiz the developers, will be arranged for later in May.