Proposals for a new bar in Durham City have been lodged with planning bosses.
Earlier in April, a planning application was submitted to Durham County Council for 93 Elvet Bridge.
This included a change of use from a vacant retail use to a ‘drinking establishment.’
The building is Grade II listed and is located in the City of Durham Conservation Area and within the setting of the World Heritage Site.
According to a planning statement from the applicant, no internal structural alterations are planned with the bar set to be created on the ground floor.
In addition, the proposed business is expected to create the the equivalent of five full-time jobs.
The planning statement reads: “The proposed use would preserve the vitality and viability of the primary shopping areas as it will be open during the day and offers refreshments that will benefit other retail outlets where customers are on a multi-trip outing.
“The proposal would also benefit the evening economy due to the late opening hours.”
Meanwhile, a heritage statement from applicant adds: “There are no changes proposed to the external appearance of the building or to the internal structure.
“Internally a bar area would be created as well the upgrade of the décor.
“The area is predominately commercial with a number of cafes, restaurants and other drinking establishments that open late in the evening.
“There would [be] little change to the local ambient noise levels or the number of visitors.”
A decision on the planning application for 93 Elvet Bridge is expected by early July 2021.
For more information, visit Durham County Council’s planning portal and search planning reference: DM/21/01282/FPA
