A PUB owner has asked to build 24 holiday lodges amid efforts to keep the business viable.

The developer seeks planning permission for 24 homes on land north of North East Wake Park, Bishopton, near Darlington.

Read more: Can you spot yourself in our gallery from the Darlington Christmas lights switch on

A letter to Darlington Borough Council says it will deliver “luxury holiday accommodation” sensitive to its surroundings.

Agent ELG Planning says the homes will add to services in Bishopton village, “including the Talbot public house which is owned by the applicant.

“In recent years the Talbot has been subject to significant investment in order to ensure the business is viable.

“However it is important that patronage is maintained and enhanced to ensure the business remains to be viable as reliance upon expenditure by the local community alone is not sustainable. To maintain its viability, the applicant is being proactive in generating additional support for the business.

“It would support the rural economy through the delivery of a sustainable tourist development, which is sympathetic in its scale and layout to its context, with the added benefit of supporting existing local services, thereby maintaining the vitality of the community.”

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated Darlington Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054