152-bed hotel at Riverside cricket ground in Durham set for approval

The proposal by Durham County Cricket Club would see a six-storey hotel built at the Riverside ground in Chester-le-Street.

Plans submitted to Durham County Council show the development would include a bar and restaurant, meeting spaces, a small club shop and a permanent tiered seating terrace overlooking the cricket pitch.

(Image: Howarth Litchfield Architects)

Hotel operator Hilton has expressed an interest in running the development.

As part of the development, the ground floor would contain a car park and foyer, while the first floor would include restaurant facilities, a lobby and guest bedrooms. Additional bedrooms would be located on the upper four floors.

A nine-tier seating terrace would be attached to the southern side of the building, providing views across the cricket ground.

The scheme is set to provide a new source of income for the cricket club, helping it remain financially competitive at a national level while bringing investment into the wider area.

It will be determined by Durham County Council’s planning committee on Thursday, June 25.

However, the application has attracted 24 objections from the public, raising concerns that the hotel could worsen existing parking pressures during major cricket matches and events at the ground.

Responding to the concerns, Durham County Cricket Club said it “appreciates the constructive engagement” with the Riverside Residents Association and “remains committed to maintaining positive relationships with residents while delivering a development that will benefit Chester-le-Street and the wider county.” 

The statement added: “The proposals would not result in unacceptable parking or highway safety impacts. 

“Appropriate operational measures are already in place to support safe and efficient site management. 

“The cricket club has been reviewing wider Riverside operations in discussion with the Riverside Residents Association and there continues to be positive dialogue with residents and stakeholders.”

Three letters of support were submitted to the local authority. 

Tourism body Visit County Durham also backed the proposal, saying it would help meet an identified need for additional overnight accommodation in the county.

Planning documents state the development would have some impact on local and wider landscape views, including the Grade I-listed Lumley Castle.

However, officers concluded the overall landscape harm would be of “minor to moderate” significance and have recommended that councillors approve the scheme, subject to conditions.