PLANNERS are to discuss proposals to re-develop a former branch of the HSBC which closed last year leaving a market town without a bank.

An application has been submitted to Durham County Council for the building on Main Street, Shildon, County Durham.

HSBC recently sold the property, which was built in 1899 for the York and County Bank.

The ground floor forms the original bank premises used by HSBC while the second floor is a self contained flat.

Applicant Jill Parkinson proposes to modernise the upstairs to create a family home.

It is proposed to develop the ground floor as a commercial premises and talks have been held with several businesses.

The plans are currently out for consultation and any comments must be submitted to the council by Monday, September 23.

A spokesman for the applicant said: “The bank has been bought and the application is to restore the first floor and carry out alterations on the ground floor so it can be a commercial premises.”

HSBC closed the branch on October 12 last year blaming a fall in use, despite strong opposition to the move.

Helen Goodman, the Bishop Auckland MP who fought the closure, said: “I think this is very welcome. It’d be nice to see the building occupied again.”

The county council is also being asked to consider granting listed building consent to allow some of the works to take place.