LISTED building consent has been sought to create accommodation at a vacant property.

Smech Management Company Ltd submitted a planning application to Northumberland County Council to remodel the Grade II listed former Miners Arms House, Blanchland, located within the North Pennines AONB National Landscapes Designation. 

The application outlines this involves 'internal changes to the main building to create staff accommodation, external refurbishment of fenestration, landscaping and formalisation of parking arrangements'.

A design and access statement said the building is divided into two properties which are both Grade II listed.

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"These two Grade II listed buildings were originally one Inn and have most recently been two houses and are now currently vacant," it said.

The most recent use was residential occupation for staff at the Lord Crewe Arms pub in the village.

The statement added: "The site is bordered by a residential property to the east, residential curtilages to the west and agricultural land to the north and south."

The proposed alterations are 'relatively minor' and would provide accommodation for up to 19 staff.

"The works would also create shared facilities on the ground floor including a kitchen with a separate dining area and sitting room along with shared bathroom facilities."

In conclusion, the report said the development would not harm the listed building.

"The harm identified can be balanced against the public benefits by way of the retention and repair of the building and its securing its future through sympathetic works," it said.

For more information, go to the council's planning portal and search reference number 24/03885/LBC.