Plan to convert Rothbury B&B into two flats

The applicant, Simon Napper, submitted the application this week to change Katerina’s Guest House, in High Street, into two properties.

Mr Napper commissioned Carter-Smith planning consultants to draw up a heritage statement to put to the council.

The heritage statement assesses what impact new developments could have on the surrounding areas.

Carter-Smith said: “Factors such as location and the relationship to the other buildings and structures have also been considered, which, in turn, have resulted in what can be considered a ‘neutral impact’ on the Rothbury Conservation Area.

“It is therefore suggested that the change of use, with improved physical internal alterations is acceptable to the site’s context and will cause no harm at all to heritage assets.”

The planning consultancy firm also claims “the proposals have been designed to enhance the surrounding area and promote sustainabilityand regeneration of the site and surrounding area”.

Research concluded that the change of venue also poses no risk to destroying items or structures of archaeological importance.

Carter-Smith said: “The change of use of this building is not considered to have any potential to impact or destroy any archaeological remains within the proposed site. In this instance, it is not anticipated that there will be a requirement to undertake an additional archaeological assessment, or a programme of archaeological monitoring to support the application.”

At the time of writing the application has received no public comments. The council has yet to decide on the proposed change of use (application reference number: 21/01720/COU).