The Estate House receives planning approval and listed building consent

The grade II ‘Estate House’ on Saddler Street in Durham city centre has received planning approval and listed building consent.

The ‘Estate House’ is an 18th century brick double-fronted building that incorporates the remains of two 17th century timber-framed structures; stone walls at basement level are earlier, dating back to the late 16th century. The historic structure and fabric will be retained and repaired as part of the building’s conversion. The design team has worked closely with an ecologist and an area of the basement will be devoted to a bat hibernaculum with features incorporated to promote its use as a bat roost.

The building has a fascinating history. Records show historic use by a cook and confectioner, a gunmaker, a bookseller and as ‘refreshment rooms’ known as the ‘Beehive Inn’. It was more recently occupied by the North East Civic Trust and then an estate agent.

The proposals received support from City of Durham Trust and City of Durham Parish Council who welcomed the ‘comprehensive, well-researched and sensitive proposal to carry out works that will safeguard the property’ and the ‘significant commitment to carrying out the conversion, restoration and adaptation works in the necessary appropriate manner.’

Work on the repair of the structure and fabric is under way allowing the building to be converted to a micro-bar and student accommodation.

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