THE owners of a village pub are hoping to expand their business by branching out into the bed and breakfast market.

Landlord Graham Hall and his son George Hall have applied to Durham County Council to convert the manager’s residence above the Victoria Inn, in School Street, Witton-le-Wear, into a B&B with five ensuite bedrooms.

If the plans are approved, the duo would also create 14 new car parking spaces at the rear of the building which dates back to the 19th Century when it was first built as a coaching inn.

No changes would be made to the ground floor where the pub is situated.

A design and access statement submitted with the application said the self-contained B&B rooms would “generate an additional income stream that would supplement the public house takings, safeguarding the future of the business along with staff employed there”.

The statement said the upstairs rooms were previously used as landlord accommodation but were now vacant and used as storage rooms.

A family room would also be created as part of the proposals but no changes would be made to any windows or external structure of the building.

Mr Hall junior, 21, who runs the pub, said he hoped to attract smaller parties, particularly those visiting the region to see the live Kynren show, in nearby Bishop Auckland.

  • To view the plans visit publicaccess.durham.gov.uk and search for application number DM/18/03689/FPA.