COUNCILLORS have backed multi-million pound plans to turn a historic former council headquarters into a major new hotel.

Durham County Council gave the go-ahead for Old Shire Hall, its base from the late 19th century to the 1960s, to be turned into an 81-bedroom hotel with fitness suite, spa, 150-cover restaurant, bar and 100-cover coffee shop.

The 1896-built, Grade II-listed building, on Old Elvet, Durham, has stood empty since Durham University, which had used it as its HQ, moved out in 2012.

Businessman Shawn Crawley, who bought the building last year, recently said he was in talks with a leading international hotel operator.

Mr Crawley said: “We’re really, really pleased. This will help us secure the operator. It will help us seal the deal.”

He said he was unable to name the operator at this stage but hoped an announcement could be made soon.

Planning permission already existed for Old Shire Hall to be turned into a hotel with 43 bedrooms and 29 apart-hotel rooms.

The new proposals were filed following talks with the proposed operator.

Planning officer Alan Dobie told a meeting of the council’s central and east area planning committee at County Hall that Old Shire Hall was well suited to use as a hotel and Durham needed more hotel beds.

“This would bring an important building back into use and hopefully lead to further regeneration,” he said.

Councillor Mark Davison said he had enjoyed visiting the site and hearing more about the proposals and was fully supportive.

Cllr John Lethbridge said it was a smashing building and he looked forward to its development.

Cllr Patrick Conway said he was very happy it was being brought back to life, although it would have been splendid if Durham County Council, which is looking to leave the 1960s-built County Hall, could have moved back in.

That sentiment was echoed by Cllr David Freeman, although he also backed the scheme and said he hoped it would come to fruition.

Planning permission was granted by ten votes to one.

As part of the project, a 1960s extension would be demolished and a new car park created behind the hotel, off Court Lane.