A CALL has been made for the public to pass comment on the impending demise of a landmark hotel.

Proposals to demolish the Cock o' the North, at Farewell Hall, on the A167 southern approach to Durham, to make way for housing, have already won outline planning approval from the city council.

Detailed plans for the development were recently lodged with the council.

Shepherd Homes, of York, which negotiated the purchase of the two-acre site from Birmingham pub and brewery group Mitchell and Butler, wants to replace the 67-year-old hotel with 44 homes, including a four-storey apartment block containing 25 flats.

Despite the misgivings of real ale pressure group the Campaign for Real Ale, Mitchell and Butler went ahead with the closure of the pub/restaurant complex, saying the business was no longer viable.

The site offers Shepherd Homes a potential flagship development at the prominent site where the former Great North Road reaches the southern outskirts of Durham.

A company spokeswoman said talks took place with city council planning officers before detailed development plans were drawn up.

The council has invited public comment on the proposals before they go in front of its development control committee.

Responses must be submitted by Wednesday to ensure consideration by committee members.

Among the interested parties who have spoken out against the scheme is the Osborne Trust, a north Durham conservation group.

Trust secretary Andrew Huggan urged people to make their views known before the deadline.

Mr Huggan said: "We strongly oppose this development on such a sensitive site of high environmental value, which is a rural gateway to the cathedral city.

"We've approached English Heritage and the 20th Century Society for support in retaining the roadhouse hotel and grounds."

Mr Huggan said 70 of the 100 trees on the site may be felled under the plans.

The trust has also notified Durham Wildlife Trust over the potential loss of habitat for a local bat colony.

Mr Huggan urged other concerned individuals and groups to contact the city council.

Views should be addressed to the city planning department, at Byland Lodge, Hawthorn Terrace, Durham.