A rural adventure centre could be turned into a new wedding venue subject to planning permission.
Kingsway Adventure Centre at Middleton-in-Teesdale has been bought by developers in the hope it can be turned into a new state-of-the-art events space.
An initial change of use application has been submitted to Durham County Council.
Kath Dowle, the applicant, said the building needs significant financial investment to maintain its condition. The former Victorian School, built in the 1860s, is only occasionally now used as a residential activities centre by schools and youth groups.
The building will be renamed Coldberry Hall, Ms Dowle said, in a nod to the people who built the former school and its first owners.
It was recently advertised for sale at £10,000.
A planning statement read: “We wish to refurbish and repair this beautiful Grade II-listed building to bring it up to standard as a luxury self-catered group venue with an events space.
“At present, there is only one venue of comparative size in the immediate area and this is Heather Brae which is an ex-hotel trading as a large group venue and is almost fully booked throughout the year.”
If redeveloped, the Alston Road building would benefit the local area and encourage visitors, the applicant added.
An accessible events space has also been proposed as part of the redevelopment.
“We are experienced large-group accommodation providers with several venues in our portfolio. We understand the needs of groups and how to attract them,” the statement added.
Ms Dowle’s business case for the redevelopment is due to be considered for grant funding.
Larger events will also need additional accommodation as near as possible to Coldberry Hall.
She added: “This financial support is crucial to our successful refurbishment of the building and to the success of our business.”
However, residents have shared their concerns over the impact the proposed wedding venue could have on nearby properties.
Christopher Grey said: “We have lived here for 30 years and the amount of noise, smoke from fires and rowdy behaviour over the years has been terrible while it has been an adventure centre, no consideration given to us whatsoever.
“I have a feeling once permission is possibly given it will revert to a similar situation, even though the new owners have promised otherwise.”
Meanwhile, Stephen Swinbank warned of parking issues, saying the site is unlikely to cope with the number of cars using the venue.
He said: “As the route to the upper dale, the road is used by motorbikes and heavy traffic in summer, as well as by many large agricultural tractors and trailers and machinery therefore, more cars parked along this busy road will be hazardous and dangerous.”
The application will be considered by Durham County Council in due course.
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