Plans to convert a County Durham home into a beauty salon have been approved by the council.

The planning application involves changing part of the ground floor of 6 Durham Road, Spennymoor, from a living room into a beauty salon.

It can open from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday, and must remain closed on Sundays and bank holidays.

External changes will also be made, such as adding a new entrance door and steps for access.

Plans for the salon were approved on October 23 by Durham County Council.

A semi-detached house at the junction of Durham Road and Brook Street, the property is about 135 metres north of Spennymoor Town Centre.

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It has a triangular layout that wraps around the neighbouring property at 4 Durham Road.

Historically, the house has been extended and used for mixed purposes, including retail.

The application had been submitted on August 13, and a site notice was posted on September 3.

Development must start within three years, by October 23, 2027.

During the consultation process, neither the highways authority nor nuisance action from environmental health raised objections.

However, the latter recommended limiting opening hours to protect residential amenities.

Despite 11 neighbouring properties being notified, no public objections or comments were received during the consultation period.

The proposal is in line with sections of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and County Durham Plan policies, particularly those related to decision-making, town centre vitality, and sustainable transport.

A biodiversity net gain plan is not required for this development as it impacts less than 25 square metres of habitat and does not involve a priority habitat.

The property was previously used for both domestic and retail purposes, with a 1977 application for change of use from house and shop to retail being approved.