A GRADE II* listed house which has stood empty for ten years is to become part of a complex to attract tourists using the A66.

The proposal by Mr Paul Barkes involves the conversion and extension of the house at Thorpe Farm, Greta Bridge, near Barnard Castle, to provide tearooms, a farm shop and tourist information centre. Although not all the goods sold will be produced on the farm, Mr Barkes will offer foods such as bread, butter, cheeses, bacon, sausages, vacuum packed meats, seasonal game, ice cream and preserves.

Coun William Salvin told members of Teesdale District Council planning south committee on Wednesday that the diversification should be encouraged and the experts had concluded that the application could be dealt with successfully. He was worried about the number of conditions imposed and whether the list of goods was exhaustive, but planning officer Mr Trevor Watson said what could be sold was not set in stone.

Coun Richard Betton felt it fitted in with the strategic options study. It was situated at the gateway to Teesdale and would bring spending to the area.

Coun John Watson was concerned that the house was situated on a well-known hazardous roadway. He did not want pedestrians and children walking up there. He had no problem with a genuine farm shop but he did have a problem with a mini-market selling imported goods. They might find several other people in Teesdale making a similar application.

Coun Jo Fergus felt customers would be passing motorists.

Mr Watson reminded them that less than 50pc of the development would be given over to retail space. It was a tea-room to catch passing traffic and a tourist office in a prime location to attract visitors to the district. The building had been empty, although maintained by Mr Barkes, for a decade and if they did not find a use, it was going to fall into disrepair. The highways authorities had been consulted and had not objected.

Mr Barkes, who was at the meeting, said he was delighted with the decision.