PLANS to convert a historic chapel into a home have been submitted to Durham County Council.

A.S. Baines, of Stanley Crook, is seeking to convert Wesley Methodist Church Hall in Front Street, Wolsingham, into a house.

Built in 1836 as a Wesleyan Chapel, the Grade II listed building was later turned into a schoolroom after another chapel was built nearby in 1863.

It building officially stopped being used as a chapel in 1862.

A later single storey extension was added to the north end of the building sometime in the early twentieth century and it was also use as a community centre.

The applicant bought the chapel hall and an adjacent cottage earlier this year and did submit similar plans in February, but later withdrew them.

No additional building work was associated with first application but this time Mr Baines hopes to create a new part first floor as well as make internal alterations.

In a design, access and heritage statement submitted on his behalf, Mr Baines said he proposes to convert the entire range of buildings into one home.

It said: "Where possible, structural intrusion into the fabric of the buildings will be kept to a minimum.

"The applicant is keen to retain as much of the good architectural character of the site as possible.

"The exception would be the northern range, where work would be needed to stabilise the building in any case and the opportunity is being taken to form a second floor."

Mr Baines said he intends to use the property as his main home and create three bedrooms as well as converting the existing hall into a living area.

If the plans are approved, a lightweight steel frame will also be inserted to form a mezzanine level over part of the hall.

He said he intends to "retain the traditional feel" of the chapel by using random rubble stone materials.

Two new car parking spaces will also be created at the rear of the building while a garden and patio will be created in the north and west of the building.

To view the application visit publicaccess.durham.gov.uk