A former car sales site in Bishop Auckland is set to become a tanning salon following approval from the council.

The premises on Parkhead Road in New Coundon will undergo internal and external refurbishment as part of the change of use.

A mural on the Boathouse Inn in Durham has been refused retrospective consent.

The artwork, created by local artist Glenn Malpass, features a toucan balancing a pint of Guinness on its beak alongside an image of Durham Cathedral.

John Lowe, of the City of Durham Trust, urged Durham County Council to refuse the application due to its "negative impact" on Elvet Bridge and the riverside.

He said: "It is very visible from Elvet Bridge and reduces the quality of its setting. It takes away from the quality of views of the riverside and is incongruous within the conservation area."

Plans for a new transport hub at Dalton Park in Murton have been approved.

The scheme will improve bus, cycle, and pedestrian facilities, as well as the access road and car parking.

It also includes landscaping and biodiversity enhancements.

A former convent house in Crook will be converted into a private dwelling.

The property at 33 Church Hill will undergo changes to boundary treatments and roof replacement, including the installation of a rooflight in place of a dormer window.

Listed building consent has been granted to convert a former dental practice in Bishop Auckland into four holiday cottages.

The property at 6 Market Place will be redeveloped to provide one three-bedroom, two two-bedroom, and one one-bedroom cottage.

The scheme includes new rear windows, replacement rainwater goods to the front, and a rooflight in a rear offshoot.