CONCERNS that plans to convert Barnards Castle’s former DLI Club premises into flats do not have any provision for parking have been raised.
Members of Barnard Castle Town Council’s planning committee agreed to support the application by Finlay Hunter to convert the premises, on Horsemarket, into four flats, despite a lack of dedicated parking for residents when they discussed it at their latest meeting on Monday, July 29.
Mr Hunter’s plans include refurbishing two existing flats and converting the club’s bar area into two more.
Although space for a bicycle store is allocated within the development, there is no provision for any vehicle parking.
The DLI Club, which was believed to be the last one in existence in County Durham, closed last year after operating from the premises for almost 60 years.
Chairman of the planning committee, Cllr Frank Harrison, said: “Parking is a problem.
“There are no parking places here for them and they have no land at the back.”
He added although there would be plenty of on-street parking opposite the building at night, parking during the day would be a problem as there is only a two hour, no return system in place in Horsemarket.
Cllr Kelly Blissett said: “To be fair it is the same for all the flats in this part of town.
“I agree though if someone has a day off, parking will be a problem with the restrictions of having to keep moving a car.”
Mayor Cllr John Blissett said it was a “shame” the DLI Club was gone but at least the development would mean one less empty building in town.
He added: “I have no problems with the development but reservations about the parking. As long as they fall in with what Durham County have said.”
Members agreed to support the application.
