Agenda item

Change of use from office (B1) to 81 bedroom hotel (C1) with fitness suite and spa, restaurant and bar, coffee shop, associated access, car parking and landscaping. Demolition of rear extension and creation of a new lift shaft and kitchen stores. Internal and external alterations to a listed building.

The Committee considered a report of the Senior Planning Officer regarding the change of use from office (B1) to 81 bedroom hotel (C1) with fitness suite and spa, restaurant and bar, coffee shop, associated access, car parking and landscaping. Demolition of rear extension and creation of a new lift shaft and kitchen stores. Internal and external alterations to a listed building at the Old Shire Hall, Old Elvet, Durham (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Principal Planning Officer provided the Committee with a detailed presentation which included photographs of the site and a plan of the proposed layout.

Members were advised that should the application be approved, conditions 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19 and 20 would need amending. Currently they all made reference to no works commencing until certain requirements had been met. The amendment to all would reflect that such restrictions were only to apply to external works.

Mr T Baker, agent for the applicant, was in attendance to respond to any questions the Committee might have.

In response to queries from Councillor Moir, Mr Baker clarified the car parking plans, access and egress arrangements and the exact location of the extension building which was to be demolished. Members were advised that the extension building was a 1960’s brick construction which had been used as a toilet block. Heritage Officers had not raised any concerns in relation to its demolition.

Councillor Davinson moved approval of the application, seconded by Councillor Lethbridge.

Councillors Conway and Freeman also voiced their support for the application and looked forward to the scheme being brought forward.

In response to a query from Councillor Freeman, Mr Baker advised that there had been much discussion on the appropriate access point for the development as there were site constraints. However it was believed that the current proposals presented the most appropriate option which would be safe, alleviate congestion and was also fully supported by the Highways Authority.

Resolved: “That the application be approved subject to the conditions detailed within the report, as amended”.