PLANS to turn a pub’s field into a caravan park have been approved by councillors.

Durham County Council’s planning committee gave their support to the plans for a change of use of the field behind the Countryman Pub in Bolam, Teesdale.

The committee had refused an application for a 30-pitch site and amenity block last year, but applicant Paul Stabler won their favour today with a plan for 20 caravan spaces.

Mr Stabler said he has owned the pub on Dunwell Lane for nine years and needs to diversify to keep the business going.

The council received 19 letters objecting to the plan and the authority’s archaeology, conservation and landscaping departments also opposed the plan.

Objectors said the site would have a visual impact on the area, produce parking problems and the extra traffic and people would disturb village life.

Two letters of support were received and Mr Stabler said: “We have total respect for the quiet, tranquil nature of the village and we not want to spoil it.

“The visual effect is important and the aim is to use nature to screen the site form view.

“This plan will help us keep our business going, support local employment and increase tourism.”