A former NHS building in a County Durham town could become a 19-bedroom apart-hotel after plans have been submitted.

The building, found on Princes Street in Bishop Auckland, has been vacant for some time and is “severely dilapidated.”

Plans could see the building converted into an apart-hotel with 19 bedrooms.

External aspects of the property will remain untouched, however, a full refurbishment of the interior could take place as part of the proposal.

The Northern Echo: An example of an apart-hotel Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENTAn example of an apart-hotel Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENT (Image: Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENT)

Developers argue that the work would bring the building back into use, attract professionals and tourists and increase spending in the town centre while people stay at the venue.

The Northern Echo: An example of an apart-hotel Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENTAn example of an apart-hotel Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENT (Image: An example of an apart hotel Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENT)

Apart-hotels usually consist of a traditional hotel room with the addition of a kitchenette to accommodate longer stays.

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Roomzzz in Newcastle is an apart-hotel following the same design.

Currently the plans project 20 apartments as part of the development all equipped with a bathroom and kitchenette.

The Northern Echo: An example of an apart-hotel Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENTAn example of an apart-hotel Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENT (Image: Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENT)

Parking at the site would be handled with the existing car park formally used for NHS staff while the building was active.

Developers also argue that currently Bishop Auckland is experiencing an estimated 250,000 to 500,000 visitors per year.

The Northern Echo: An example of an apart-hotel Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENTAn example of an apart-hotel Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENT (Image: Picture: DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENT)

It continues to argue that there is “insufficient capacity” in short term accommodation to “support the anticipated influx in visitors.”

The plans have not yet been decided and can still be viewed and commented on via the Durham County Council planning website.

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