PLANS for self-catering accommodation at an annexe of Otterburn Hall and refurbishment of the conservatory have been submitted to the national park authority.

The plans for the Grade II listed annexe and conservatory have been proposed by owners, Clifton Park Hotels Limited. The hall has different owners and is currently up for auction.

The proposal is to change the existing unused hotel annexe of 22 bedrooms into 16 holiday apartments. There are no plans for extension or demolition works to the annexe, however window and doors will be adjusted to suit the new layout, the application states.

According to the plans, new parking provisions will also be provided to the north of the property reduce the impact on the character of the area surrounding the property.

However, at a recent Otterburn Parish Council meeting, councillors expressed their concerns that the 16 parking bays for the accommodation wasn’t enough.

Coun. Gemma Cook said: “We have to expect that not everyone staying in the apartments will have one car – there could be up to three cars per apartment.

“I don’t think the current car parking plans are adequate enough to deal with the visitor numbers.”

The proposal states the development is aimed at attracting visitors who want to enjoy the national park and the surroundings. As well as supporting businesses within the immediate setting of the former country house, the applicant also states there will be local employment opportunities for work.

The proposals come after the main building of Otterburn Hall was put up for auction last week. Bids can now be made online with the the auction guide price set at £550,000.