A HOTELIER has submitted plans to revamp and extend a town centre pub.

John Adamson, of Ramside Estates, is seeking planning permission to refurbish the Hope Inn in Sedgefield, transforming it into a bar and restaurant.

The recently added single-storey extensions to the rear of the building would be demolished and replaced with a new extension more in keeping with the grade two listed building.

This extension would house a kitchen, freeing up space in the main building for a larger dining area.

Ramside Estates, which owns nearby Hardwick Hall Hotel, Bowburn Hall Hotel at Bowburn and Ramside Hall Hotel and Golf Club at Carrville, also plans to build two three-bedroom houses on land to the rear of the Front Street pub.

A heritage and conservation report, submitted with the application, stated: “The location of the proposed development, and its scale and design, means that there is no adverse impact on the surroundings and the amenities of the neighbouring buildings.”

At a meeting of Sedgefield Town Council this week councillors were supportive of plans to extend and refurbish the Hope Inn but raised concerns about parking.

Councillors also objected to plans for two new houses on the site, arguing it would take away public amenity space.

The public can comment on the application at durham.gov.uk until Tuesday, July 22.