PLANS to turn offices into a restaurant near Durham's Millennium City development have been welcomed by planning officials.

And as part of the plans, Durham City councillors will be recommended on Wednesday to give planning permission for the conversion of The Northern Echo and Durham Advertiser premises in Claypath.

The owner of the building, businessman Robert Fulton, originally planned to site the restaurant further up the street in Ruth First House, formerly the council's planning department, which he acquired in a land deal.

He won permission for that scheme last year, but has now decided to move the restaurant into the offices and relocate the offices to Ruth First House.

The restaurant scheme entails a two-storey extension at the back of the building. Dining areas would be on both floors.

The City of Durham Trust opposes the scheme, saying it will lead to Claypath residents suffering noise and nuisance.

The trust also considers that the plan is incompatible with the Millennium City complex, which includes the Gala theatre, behind the building.

But environmental services corporate director Neil Smith said that he cannot agree with the trust's comment about the restaurant's incompatibility with Millennium City.

The committee will also be recommended to approve the conversion of the ground floor of Ruth First House to offices for The Northern Echo and Durham Advertiser and a shop.