A PLANNING application has been submitted for new housing in the heart of Hurworth conservation area.

Church View Garage, one of the last remaining businesses in the village, could be demolished to make way for six flats.

The proposed site is opposite All Saints' Church, which has Norman origins.

The planned two-floor block in Church View will have an attic layout with rooms in the roof space. There will be four flats at the front of the building and two at the back.

The garage forecourt will be used for parking, providing eight spaces.

Coun Roderick Burtt said: "Firstly, one is very sad to see a business ceasing to trade. But it seems to be one of those things these days due to economic factors. There is nothing we can do but mourn the loss of the garage from the village.

"I haven't seen the plans for the flats yet, but my first view to the development is that it must be carried out sensitively.

"The building must be in keeping with the character of the village. The fact that the area is right opposite the church must be taken into account."

Staying put

THE owners of the Morritt Arms Hotel at Greta Bridge have decided to stay put and give it a £500,000 facelift.

Proprietor Barbara Johnson and her husband, Peter Phillips, put the 17th century coaching inn up for sale at a guide price of £1.25m last November, saying they needed to take a breather from the demands of running it.

Yesterday they reversed their decision to retire and announced a two-year investment programme, which they hope will make it one of the leading hotels in the area.

Mrs Phillips, who has come through a period of ill health, said: "Last year was a difficult time for us and The Morrit, but when decision time came we just could not let it go.

"Instead we have decided to make this significant investment, an investment that will result in the full restoration and refurbishment of The Morrit."