A new wine bar is hoping to open in Barnard Castle after getting planning approval.
Permission was granted for a change of use of 42 The Bank from a residence to a shop on Thursday, October 16.
Owner Morgan Derbyshire was also granted a premises licence and hopes to open Inglenook Wine Bar and Merchants in November.
Mr Derbyshire said: “We are delighted to finally have both applications concluded, it has been a long time since we started this journey and has involved many bumps along the way.”
This included having to carry out a noise survey after neighbours objected to the application. Three neighbours opposed the scheme, but 20 others wrote to planning officers in support of it.
The owner added: “Working with the council, we have overcome all of these [bumps].
“The Inglenook will be a great asset to The Bank, and Barnard Castle, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those people who have supported us on this journey, including those involved in the Beyond the Buttermarket scheme, which aims to increase footfall and highlight the array of independent shops down this end of the high street.”
Mr Derbyshire said the aim of the shop is offer a wide range of wines not available in supermarkets and would be offering customers a place for locals and visitors to enjoy a glass of wine or a cup of coffee. He added that he hoped to be open in November in time for the Christmas season.
The licence application was supported by fellow The Bank businessman Josh Jenkins of Teesdale Toys.
He said: “’I was very glad to hear that the Inglenook got its license. I know it’s been a long road for them, but it’s always great to see new shops open up on the high street, helping to keep Barney thriving.
“I wish Morgan every success and look forward to sharing a glass with him when they open.”
