A 17TH century Grade II listed farmhouse could be restored if a business owner secures planning permission from Durham County Council.

Plans have been submitted to carry out work on Murton Hall Farm, in Sedgefield, and build three holiday homes from existing outbuildings.

The complex has been purchased by a local business owner who is hoping to turn the main farmhouse into a family home.

A statement submitted with the plans states: “The new owner of the complex is seeking to sensitively restore the main farmhouse as his family home and create three holiday lets from the existing outbuildings.

"The application seeks planning permission for alterations to the existing farmhouse including new windows and a minor extension."

If planning permission is secured, the existing long barn to the south of the farmhouse would be repaired, rebuilt and widened, a stabling room would be created on the site of a former vehicle shed and three holiday units would be built from existing out-buildings to the west of the farmhouse.

The holiday lets would all be two-bedroom, one one-storey building and two with an additional mezzanine first floor.

The statement adds: "The proposed demolitions enhance the setting of the listed Murton Hall Farm by removing low significance buildings that are in a poor state of repair.

"This better reveals the original high significance structure, enhancing the overall main heritage asset.

"The proposed alteration and extension respects the character of the original building and will conserve the setting of the listed building.

"In conclusion, it is submitted that the proposed development is acceptable and represents an appropriate form of sustainable development for the site."

A decision is due to be made by Tuesday, August 6.

To view the application online visit: publicaccess.durham.gov.uk/online-applications/ and search for reference DM/19/01867/LB