PLANS have been submitted to convert a car showroom and workshop into 14 flats.

Picktree Motors, in Picktree Lane, Chester-le-Street, has applied for planning permission to build two and three-storey apartments within its grounds.

No objections have been received by Chester-le-Street District Council, which will consider the plans at its planning meeting on Monday.

Council planners have recommended the proposal be approved, as long as the developers contribute £14,000 towards a children's playground, and an archaeological survey is carried out.

Ten apartments would be in a building overlooking Hopgarth Gardens, while the other four would be in a second building near Greenbank Street.