A COUNTY Durham country estate hotel has plans to create a luxury wedding and events venue in its grounds.

The plans by Whitworth Hall, in Whitworth Road, Spennymoor, include demolition of existing hotel conservatory and ancillary structures, and the construction of new single storey function room extension to listed building.

The proposals contained in this application constitute the first phase of this investment, focused on the existing hall and hotel building.

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The project brief was to deliver a new extension to the existing building providing a function room and associated facilities to cater for weddings and events for up to 125 guests, along with a new restaurant space to replace an existing late 20th century conservatory structure.

The front of house accommodation was to be supported by new kitchen, cellar, bar and refuse storage facilities as well as toilets.

In addition to the function room extension the brief also called for a stand alone new build structure serving as a ‘chapel’ for wedding ceremonies and other small events.

The chapel was to be sited in the parkland of the deer park.