Plans to convert a vacant Chester-le-Street office into a house have been submitted.

The Old Rectory, on Mains Park Road, Chester-le-Street, could soon be transformed from a mixed commercial and residential property to a single residential dwelling, if the proposal is approved.

The application has been submitted by Mr Malcolm Passmoor, of Plantation Grove, Gateshead, and is being handled by an agent on his behalf.

Covering 1,300 square metres, the site was previously used as an architect's office and residential flats.

Proposed changes involve both internal and external modifications.

Internally, blocked doorways will be reopened, internal partition walls and kitchen units will be removed to restore bedroom functionality, office lighting will be replaced with residential fixtures, and utilities will be consolidated for single-family use.

Externally, the driveway will be widened from three metres to 4.5 metres to meet modern standards, while the heritage red brick walls will be retained.

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The conversion will reduce the number of car parking spaces from 11 to four and result in a net loss of three residential units and 136 square metres of non-residential floor space.

However, the proposal does not anticipate any increase in flood risk or significant biodiversity impacts, as the land is already developed.

The Old Rectory, a notable Victorian stone building, lies within the Chester-le-Street Conservation Area and is in close proximity to heritage assets such as the Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert.

The building itself is considered a non-designated heritage asset.

Proposed alterations aim to restore the building's original single-dwelling function while preserving its historical integrity.

The proposals align with the Conservation Area Appraisal, maintaining the character and appearance of the area, according to application forms.

Minimal external changes mean the impact on the Conservation Area is expected to be negligible.

The proposal also supports the applicant's desire to use the property as their primary residence.

Plans are currently awaiting approval from Durham County Council after being validated on Monday.