THE owners of a village pub which opened 170 years ago are hoping to convert the property.

Mike and Barbara Allison, owners of the Raby Hunt Inn, at Summerhouse, have applied to Darlington Borough Council to modify the premises to form a pub and a house.

The couple, who had previously expressed fears that the pub was no longer financially viable, also want to build a new home at the site and convert some outbuildings into two homes.

In May last year, councillors refused permission to close the pub and convert it into two houses after opposition from villagers.

Darlington branch of the Campaign for Real Ale also objected to the proposals, describing it as the finest remaining traditional country pub in the borough.

At the time, Mr Allison said he was in a desperate situation because Summerhouse had a population of only 60 people and not enough trade was coming from outside.