PROPOSALS for new holiday accommodation in County Durham, including chalets and a community cafe, have been lodged with planning bosses.

In recent weeks, a planning application was submitted to Durham County Council for land south of Tate Avenue, in the Kelloe area.

This included changing the use of the site to provide six holiday chalets, a cafe with a seating area, site manager’s accommodation and a new access.

Other aspects of the plans included parking, landscaping and associated infrastructure.

A planning statement prepared for the applicant, and submitted to the county council, outlines the benefits of the proposals.

This includes “developing and diversifying” existing agricultural land to create a “unique sustainable tourist destination which provides add-on benefits for the community.”

The planning statement goes on to say: “The proposal will attract visitors to the site, facilitating potential for more overnight stays, which would, in turn, lead to further time spent in the county, generating more revenue.

“The proposal provides a bespoke visitor experience with unique, highly accessible facilities, including attractive landscapes, wildlife and local history, all within easy access of Durham city.”

Other proposed benefits included in the planning statement range from rural tourism and retaining existing day visitors to the county, to ‘all-year around’ availability and the creation of a new business.

A design and access statement from the applicant adds that local residents would benefit from some of the proposed facilities.

The report reads: “Overall, the proposal makes best use of its edge of village location by providing a well screened, sustainable development of holiday chalets to benefit the settlement; to generate jobs and wealth, with ancillary benefits for residents, including a community café and small community orchard.”

According to the planning application, the overall development is expected to create two full-time and four part-time jobs.

A decision on the scheme is expected by the end of July 2021.

For more information, visit Durham County Council’s online planning portal and search reference: DM/21/01698/FPA