Funeral home to open in former village guesthouse
and live on Freeview channel 276
A planning application was lodged in March for the Hillrise Guesthouse at 13 Durham Road in Bowburn.
The proposals, from Cochranes Funeral Directors, aimed to transform the building into a “satellite branch” of the firm’s main site in Shotton Colliery.
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Hide AdPlanning documents outlined how the property would be converted, including a mortuary at the rear with a separate access.
The front of the property would also be repurposed as a funeral reception area with a capacity of up to 35 people.
Meanwhile, funeral vehicles would be stored at the firm’s Shotton Colliery branch with a funeral director and receptionist based at the Bowburn site on a daily basis with a company vehicle.
Documents add that when a funeral is leaving the premises, around six to ten staff could be on site.
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Hide AdFollowing consultation, Durham County Council’s planning authority approved the plans on Tuesday, June 30.
Although environmental health officers said the business is regulated and maintains “high industry standards”, a request was made to restrict hours of operation.
This aimed to protect the “residential amenity of surrounding properties” under council policies.
Approved opening hours include 8am-8pm, Monday to Friday and 8am-2pm on Saturday.
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Hide AdNo works which are audible outside the site are allowed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
And viewings by appointment can be made up until 10pm, with 24-hour access also required for staff.
The business is expected to create one full-time and four part-time jobs.