THE North-East's only Michelin-starred restaurant could be about to increase its size, after the owners applied for planning permission for an extension.

The Raby Hunt, in Summerhouse, near Darlington, has held a Michelin star since 2012.

Its owner and head chef James Close has applied to Darlington Borough Council for listed building consent to convert the adjoining, single-storey Hunters End Cottage into an extension of the restaurant.

There are also plans for a single-storey kitchen extension and alterations to doors and windows in the grade II-listed building.

Newton Aycliffe-based architecture firm Create has submitted papers to the council on Mr Close’s behalf.

The council has set a target date of April 12 for the application to be determined.

A heritage statement submitted by Create said: “The proposed works require only a small rear extension to the building.

“This proposed extension is intended to be smaller than that which was granted planning permission previously.

“The property is made up of the two floors within the Raby Hunt inn and the attached single-storey cottage.

“Access to the car park and restaurant are from the B6279 [and] this will remain the situation once the development is completed.”

Summerhouse has other listed buildings, including farm buildings to the west of the Raby Hunt and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Create’s statement continued: “The proposed works will provide better arrival and pre-dining facilities for customers, along with upgraded toilet accommodation.

“A new entrance will be formed [for] the pre-dining area, through the rear of Hunters End Cottage.

“The owners have permission to extend the kitchen, granted in February 2014.

“These works have not taken place, but would have involved the building of a much larger extension than the one now proposed.

“The proposed works will require little alteration to the external fabric of the building, with the exception of the entrance lobby, door, small kitchen extension and enlarged window opening on the west elevation overlooking the kitchen garden.

“Due to the standard of repair to which the buildings have been maintained, it is proposed that the works carried out will only be of a minimal nature.