Seaham micropub The Coalface plans pizza takeaway and AirBnB rooms in major revamp

In recent weeks, Durham County Council received a planning application for The Coalface at 73 Church Street in the town.

According to planning documents, the property was highlighted as a high priority building within the ‘building improvement grant scheme’ which is being funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the county council.

New plans aim to restore various aspects of the site while providing new facilities.

This includes a redesigned shop front, improvements to exterior brickwork, replacement windows and repairs to the upper chimney.

Under the proposals, the upper floors of the building would be converted into an AirBnB rental facility with a new stairway access.

In addition, a rear building which currently acts as storage would be repurposed as a pizza takeaway shop to supply the micropub and general public.

A Design, Access and Heritage Statement, submitted to council planners, outlines the works to the building.

It reads: “All repair work will be carried out in accordance with good conservation principles.

“The existing shop front will be fully replaced, and all windows front and rear replaced with traditional materials and detailing.

“The aim of the Seaham Townscape Heritage is to restore the traditional character and atmosphere to the high street, so the appearance of any changes is with the desire to accomplish this.”

If approved, the rear access road would serve the new pizza takeaway shop with a new point of access created for the upstairs accommodation.

The first floor would house the living and kitchen areas of the AirBnB with the second floor containing three bedrooms and a new bathroom.

A decision on the plans is expected by the end of June following a period of consultation.

Comments on the plans can be made by writing to the council’s planning department before Wednesday, May 13.

Planners will then draw up a report for consideration before a decision is made.

For more information, visit Durham County Council’s planning portal and search reference: DM/20/00673/FPA