A COUPLE have vowed to appeal against a council's decision to block their plans to create a holiday cottage next to a Teesdale museum.

Thomas and Margaret Teward, of Dene Road, Barnard Castle, said they were shocked by Teesdale District Council's decision to reject their application to convert a barn into a holiday cottage next to Bowes Museum.

Their proposal was rejected by members of the council's development control committee, which decided that the plan was unsuitable for the site, just yards from the walls surrounding the 19th Century museum, which is a listed building.

The barn, off Westwick Road, in Barnard Castle, is currently used to house the couple's horse.

They want to build an extension to create a holiday cottage consisting of a bedroom, kitchen and dining room.

Mrs Teward, 59, said: "This is completely unjustified for the council just to reject it, because it is such a modest application that would put the site to good use. W are completely shocked. It would give our son something to look after and maintain, and would be a boost for tourism in Teesdale."

But during yesterday's meeting, both councillors and planning officers criticised the plans.

Members were told that a total of six letters of objection had been received from the public.

Councillor Newton Wood said: "Having seen it, I'm not particularly happy with the development myself.

"There are so many people against it, local people, our own planning officers and Durham County Council design specialists. And I agree with our officers' recommendation to reject it."

Last night, Mr and Mrs Teward said they would appeal against the decision.

Mrs Teward said: "We are certainly going to appeal against this decision, and we feel confident that an inspector will realise that this is a totally reasonable application that deserves to go ahead."