THE owners of a Dale cafe have submitted plans to convert it into homes.

Jon Dunn, of 1618 Cafe, in Middleton-in-Teesdale, has applied to change the use of the building, in Market Place, from business to residential.

He hopes to divide the building into three separate properties and extend an existing cottage to create a two-storey kitchen and en-suite bedroom extension.

The plans also include demolishing an existing outbuilding and create a new front door and alleyway.

The shop window would remain as it is for the present time if the plans were approved.

A heritage statement said the business had appeared to "run its course" and had been on the market for 18 months without any offers while a change of use could also reduce parking pressures on the main road.

To view the plans visit publicaccess.durham.gov.uk and search for application reference DM/18/00329/FPA