A FORMER bank site could be transformed into a drive-thru coffee shop under new plans.

Earlier this month, proposals were lodged with Durham County Council for a site in the North West Industrial Estate near Peterlee.

The site at Stirling Close, off Cook Way, was the former home of Barclays Bank.

Coffee chain Siesta Coffee, which runs a similar premises in Newton Aycliffe, is now looking to set up shop in the building.

The coffee shop aims to serve people primarily working in industrial estates in the area.

Plans include internal changes to the bank building, new signs and a 30-space car park.

According to planning documents, the applicant considered alternative sites in Peterlee town centre and Seaham.

However, the out-of-town option was seen as having a lower impact on neighbouring businesses.

If approved, three full-time and three part-time jobs would also be created at the new Siesta Coffee site.

A decision on the plan is expected by early May.

Comments can be made by writing to the council before, Thursday, April 2.

For more information, visit the council’s ‘planning portal’ and search reference: DM/20/00687/FPA