Wedding Venue Plans for Victorian Pumphouse Approved

Plans to transform a grade II-listed pumping station in County Durham, which dates back to the 1870s, into a wedding venue have been granted approval.Dalton Pumping Station is located off the B1432 Stockton Road, near Murton and Seaham.It was designed by Thomas Hawksley and constructed in 1873, comprising a Venetian Gothic engine house and attached ancillary buildings which Durham County Council said are “of significant architectural merit”.Under the plans, the pump house and associated buildings would be converted into a licensed wedding venue, a bridal shop and commercial offices.The pump house is earmarked for ceremonies, while receptions would be held in the boiler room. It would have the capacity for 200 covers.It would include various single-storey extensions to provide additional kitchen facilities and toilets, as well as internal alterations to include a mezzanine floor and under floor heating. A new car park and vehicular access would also be created.Durham County Council planners approved the proposals subject to a number of conditions, saying they are “acceptable”.