PLANS have been submitted to convert a disused landmark rural hotel into houses.

The Bowes Moor Hotel, on the A66 at Stainmore, has been closed for several months.

Attempts to sell the hotel have drawn a blank and now plans to convert the main building and manager's accommodation into two large properties have been lodged with Durham County Council.

After standing empty for several years, the hotel was reopened in 2010 after £150,000 was spent on renovations.

A website was set up, new marketing literature distributed throughout the North-East and a live-in manager appointed.

But applicant Mark Laybourn's design and access statement to the planners says: “Unfortunately, after two years of trying to fill the rooms with guests and passing trade, the business just could not generate enough income to make the project viable.

“The hotel was advertised with local estate agents and sale boards at the road side but no interest was shown.

“Its location and presence is known throughout the North-East of England and it is a crying shame that the prospects for the future of this large and pleasant building are not very hopeful.”

If granted permission, the hotel will be turned into a six-bed property set over two floors.

There will be a lounge, living rooms and a kitchen/diner downstairs and all bedrooms will be ensuite.

The manager's accommodation will be converted into a five-bed property if approval is granted.

The application states that any work needed during the conversion of both the hotel and manager's accommodation would be minor and contained within the buildings.

The design and access statement concludes: “No alterations to the external frontage of the hotel need to be done and if suitable buyers can be found, the existing building can be retained in good order and maintain its position overlooking the moors and Pennine Way.”

The deadline for comments on the plans expires tomorrow (Friday, November 2).