TWO former business premises in a village centre could be converted for residential use.

Planning permission has already been granted to turn a ladies’ hairdressing salon in Byers Green, near Spennymoor, into a house and a former pub nearby could be converted into flats.

Durham County Council approved a proposal by Eric Bell to remove the hairdressing equipment from the salon, on High Street, so it can be used as a living room.

The rest of the building will not need altering for it to become a three-bedroom mid terrace house.

Just a few doors away, the old Marquis of Granby pub, which was most recently used as offices, could also be converted.

Cares Group Holdings boss Dave Cassie has applied to the council for permission to turn it into flats.

The proposal would make very little change to the exterior of the building, also known as Thomas Wright House, on High Street, but create six one or two bedroom apartments inside.

Car parking would be at the rear and the junction onto High Street access would be altered in an attempt to improve road safety.

The company has owned the building for around 15 years and used it as a base for its fostering and social work teams but it has been unused since the company relocated.

Mr Cassie said: “If we do this the flats will be social rented housing, having looked at what Byers Green people need.

“But even if we get planning permission there is no guarantee this is what we’ll decide to do with the site, it is one of two or three options.

“We’ve also got the building up for sale.”

There is one objection from a neighbour who believes the development would devalue her property and cause parking problems.

Cares Group Holdings’ move to the Bracken Hill Business Park, in Peterlee, has also seen it leave some offices at The Old Hall, at Byers Green, which are being converted into three holiday cottages.