A FORMER farm, which has continually diversified to become one of Teesdale's premier hotels, is to be allowed to add leisure facilities and a swimming pool to its attractions.

Mr Mark Watson wants to build a single-storey extension to the Jersey Farm hotel, on the outskirts of Barnard Castle. The development will include a pool, beauty facilities, a gymnasium and restaurant.

Coun Peter Stubbs told members of Teesdale District Council planning south committee on Wednesday that it was an excellent application at a hotel which had been developed well over the years.

Some members felt the application should go ahead, with restriction of the pool's use confined to residents. But Coun Jo Fergus said it was virtually the only hotel in Barnard Castle and it would be wrong to impose a condition like that. She had received four telephone calls recently asking why the application had been held up as people were keen to use the facilities, which she felt could be open to members rather than the public.

Coun Ken Hodgson felt conditions should be imposed; the council had its own pool facilities near at hand. It should not be open for the public.

Coun John Watson said previous developments at the Jersey Farm were agreed as core parts of farm diversification, but this went beyond that and was in a different category. People would have to use cars to access these facilities.

Planning officer Mr Trevor Watson asked councillors to remember it was not a stand-alone site but part of a complex.

Coun Stubbs was delighted that the application was approved.

"On a wet day in Teesdale, visitors are limited to what they can do," he said.