THE cost of saving a riverside Durham landmark would run into hundreds of thousands of pounds, a public inquiry has heard.

Leftbank Developments wants to demolish the 19th Century Brown's Boathouse, next to Elvet Bridge, and build a 1,000-capacity glass-fronted pub.

The applicants' barrister, Alan Evans, said yesterday that the building was not "conventionally attractive'' and did not warrant listing.

He said specialists would give evidence during the four-day hearing that the boathouse did not make a "positive contribution'' to the character of the city centre conservation area.

Mr Evans said the building was structurally unsound and needed stabilising that would cost about £270,000.

It would also need to be raised because it suffered from flooding, which would add to the cost.

The City of Durham Trust and English Heritage object to the proposals because of its impact on the city centre.

Environment Secretary John Prescott ordered the inquiry and stopped Durham City Council deciding the application