PLANS to turn a village's empty pub into five homes look set to win approval today despite objections.

Derwentside District Council's development control committee will be recommended to give conditional planning permission to convert the Deerness Valley Hotel, in Commercial Street, East Hedleyhope, into five houses.

The plan also entails building detached garage blocks and a block of stables in the grounds of the hotel.

Two years ago the hotel was embroiled in controversy over its plans to use its garden and car park as a caravan park for weekend visitors.

The plans were opposed by residents and East Hedleyhope Parish Council, and were thrown out by the development control committee.

The parish council is concerned about the latest plan and has told the planning authority that the "consensus of opinion is that the village would prefer a pub rather than more houses".

It is also worried that the garages will be on green belt land and that the redevelopment of the hotel will be "detrimental to the community".

Two neighbours have objected to the conversion, saying that manure from the stables would attract flies and vermin, create smells, and pose a threat to the health of children playing behind the hotel.

Durham Wildlife Trust is concerned the hotel is close to the wildlife site of Hedley Hill Wood and wants to be sure there will be no impact on the area.

But a report to the council committee said: "The proposal is considered to be acceptable in this area of East Hedleyhope, which is already adjacent to residential properties of Commercial Street and not detrimental to the amenity of the area."