PLANS have been submitted to turn a derelict hotel hit by fire earlier this year into an 18-bedroom bedsit.

Allure Developments Ltd, based in Shildon, have submitted plans to Durham County Council to refurbish and convert The North Eastern, Clarence Street, in Spennymoor.

The former public house and railway hotel has been out of use since December 2013 and was damaged in May this year after a bin fire spread to the building.

The plans would see the two-storey building extended into the existing yard where three parking spaces would be created.

A public consultation held in July saw more than 100 local residents attend to voice their concerns.

In a statement submitted with the application, the developer said the service/user group will be single adults aged 18+ with low to medium support needs, the facility will be staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and the facility is for County Durham residents.

It reads: "The proposal is to redevelop the former public house building, with a small element of extension being proposed within the existing yard, to an assisted living development.

"The existing building has significant historic value and local value given its prominent position at one of the gateway accesses into the town.

"The extension and architectural language contributes to the overall aesthetic of its setting, providing a high quality residential development appropriate and fitting to its location.

"Sitting along side but not looking to replicate, or fight with the historic and existing architectural styles producing a modern development of its time and that will last the test of time.

"Overall the proposal is of high quality design, with sympathetic scale, massing and appearance to the existing building, the proposal is considered to complement and enhance the spatial character of the area, regenerating a key building within Spennymoor."

Visit: durham.gov.uk/find-a-planning-application and search DM/19/02500/FPA