A NATIONAL pub chain hopes to move into a listed building in Bishop Auckland town centre.

JD Wetherspoon has applied for planning permission to convert offices in the Market Place into a bar and restaurant.

The Watford company, which runs more than 600 pubs, has been looking for a suitable property in the town for about 18 months.

It has already agreed in principle to buy the stone building from solicitors Hewitts, incorporating Wager Turner, which is about to move into new premises.

Plans have been submitted to Wear Valley District Council for change of use of the building and a decision is expected within two months.

If successful, the company would then apply for a licence to sell alcohol then convert the building. It could be open for business in six to eight months.

Spokesman Eddie Gershon said: "Wetherspoons hopes to move into Bishop Auckland market place next year.

"We have been waiting for the right site to come along rather than rushing into an unsuitable property.

"Wetherspoons has moved into more listed buildings than any other pub chain so is fully prepared to work within the restrictions to preserve it. We prefer good buildings with character."

If approved the pub would serve food all day and feature no music or entertainment.

Hewitts decided to relocate to purpose-built offices on the site of the former Wear Valley Hotel in Newgate Street, after a merger with Wager Turner earlier this year made it the biggest firm of solicitors in the town.

This year The Northern Echo and Wear Valley Advertiser teamed up with traders to launch a Shopping for a Future campaign to tackle the problems faced by the town and promote its positives.

Coun Stephen Gregory said: "I certainly welcome the prospect of any new developments in the town. Hopefully it would attract people to the town centre and keep them here."