A DILAPIDATED boathouse could be saved and put to a new use, a planning inquiry has been told.

Leftbank Developments says Brown's Boathouse, next to Elvet Bridge in Durham, has serious structural problems that are too expensive to repair.

It is seeking permission to demolish the boathouse, which has long-established links to the city's rowing tradition, and build a four-storey glass-fronted pub that could hold 1,000 drinkers.

The Durham City Trust is fighting to retain the building, which dates from 1830, saying it is important to the city conservation area's character.

Architect Dennis Jones, who was a consultant to Durham Castle for 20 years, told the inquiry that the boathouse could be saved.

He worked on the repair and conversion of the Stockton and Darlington Railway's old ticket office in Stockton, which had been shored up to stop it collapsing.

He said the building did have structural problems but the biggest fault was "the lack of good maintenance" in recent years.

"The building is not, in my opinion, in a dangerous condition and there is therefore no need for its demolition.''

Mr Jones said the building could be converted into a restaurant with bed and breakfast accommodation.

Trust secretary Dr Douglas Pocock said the boathouse was linked to the beginnings of the Durham Regatta in 1834.

"Durham's heritage would be much poorer if this fascinating chapter were reduced to a plaque marking the spot.''

Trust chairman Roger Cornwell told the inquiry that a petition calling for the boathouse to be saved was signed by 4,000 people following its launch in the middle of September.

"I submit that this response confirms our initial feeling that there was this widespread affection for the boathouse.''

The inquiry was ordered by Environment Secretary John Prescott. Inspector Keith Turner will announce his decision at a later date.