OWNERS of a County Durham guesthouse have been granted planning permission to extend into next door.

The Foresters has been operating at the end of Railway Terrace in Stanley Crook for about five years.

The guesthouse at the eastern end of Stanley Crook has five bedrooms, a small bar and a 30-seater restaurant.

Now owner James Mulligan has been given permission by Durham County Council to turn his next door neighbour into an extension of the guest house.

Planning officer Adam Williamson said the appearance of the house would remain unchanged and approved the change of use.

In a statement to the council’s planning department, Mr Mulligan said: “The guesthouse has been operating for approximately five years and is well established locally and has an increasing reputation with travelling visitors.

“The neighbouring property has been brought to extend the business.”

The guesthouse has been rated five out of five based on 40 reviews on the travel website Tripadvisor.

Of the reviewers, 37 said the Foresters was excellent.