The Area Planning Committee (South and West) met on 18 September 2025, to discuss planning applications in the region. Councillors approved plans to demolish buildings on Market Place in Bishop Auckland to make way for a 59-bed hotel, and also approved advertisement and listed building consent for Central Buildings in Staindrop.

32-38 Market Place, Bishop Auckland

Councillors voted to approve the demolition of 32-38 Market Place and the erection of a 59-bed hotel with re-aligned access and 51 parking spaces to the rear. The application was made by Mr Peter Dracup of The Auckland Project¹.

The site currently consists of the 18th-century Post Chaise, the 19th-century Queens Head, and the more modern Monaco buildings, all of which are vacant drinking establishments/hotels. The Post Chaise was de-listed in 2024. The site lies within the Bishop Auckland Conservation Area, and is near the Town Hall and other listed buildings.

The new hotel is designed as a single building divided into five sections with varying ridge heights and materials. It would have a footprint of approximately 855m2 and a total floor area of approximately 3,000m2 over four floors.

Historic England raised no objections, stating that the hotel has a contemporary design that references its historic context well enough to add to the marketplace in a respectful way. However, they noted that it would be preferable to re-use and incorporate the two historic buildings into the hotel.

Four letters of objection were received, citing the loss of non-designated heritage assets, the design, and other matters. One objector stated that the buildings to be demolished have deliberately been allowed to become derelict.

A planning officer stated that the applicant has demonstrated that the two historic buildings are in very poor state of repair such that it would not be feasible to bring back into good repair as part of a conversion scheme without significant intervention.

The committee report DM2501287FPA - TAP hotel committee report notes that the new hotel would help to meet the undersupply of visitor beds in the town, increase footfall, support local businesses, and create employment opportunities for residents. It also states that £3.1m of grant funding has been earmarked for a new hotel development in the Market Place through the Government's Levelling Up agenda.

2-3 Central Buildings, Front Street, Staindrop

Councillors voted to approve advertisement and listed building consent for 2-3 Central Buildings, Front Street, Staindrop. The applicant was Mr Theepan Rasalingam.

The site comprises 2-3 Central Buildings, Staindrop. The premises are grade II listed and also lie within the Staindrop Conservation Area.

The applications sought consent for:

• Two externally illuminated timber framed hand painted signs to the north and west elevations.
• Internal and external refurbishment and alterations.
• Window vinyls.

Staindrop Parish Council objected to the application, citing the unsuitability of the use in a Conservation Area, the unsympathetic window alterations and shop front design, and the inappropriate and intrusive signage.

Thirteen letters of objection/representation were received, citing the use of the building, the effect on the listed building and conservation area, residential amenity, and traffic generation, access and highways safety.

The committee report DM2500852AD - Central Buildings Committee Report ADV notes that the Council's Design and Conservation Section advised that the signage will have a neutral impact, considering that the materials, scale, location and design have all been chosen so as not to harm the significance of the building.

The committee report DM2500867LB - Central Buildings Committee Report LB notes that the Council's Design and Conservation Section advised that the internal character of the building will change and there will be slight external changes but that these will not harm the significance of the designated asset.