Castle alterations bid to be turned down.

They say an Englishman's home is his castle ( but for the Duke of Northumberland, it will be the local council calling the shots tonight when it considers his latest plan.

The peer wants to partially demolish part of his Grade 1 listed ancestral seat at Alnwick Castle, removing internal walls and making alterations to its Guest Hall, tea room and kitchen.

He has applied for listed building consent to make the changes ( which Alnwick District Council's development control committee is due to refuse tonight.

The council, however, is happy with a separate planning bid which concerns changing the use of a storage area into a new basement restaurant.

Director of environment and regeneration Paul Gee said that the council would be recommending refusal.

He said: "Any alterations or changes to the building, particularly elements such as demolition, requires the applicant to justify the works and demonstrate that the alterations do not adversely affect the character or historical context of the building.

"The proposed development is not in sympathy with, and detracts from, the character of Alnwick Castle.

"To grant consent would be contrary to the duty of care laid upon Alnwick District Council to protect such buildings and create a precedent for further unsympathetic development."

He added that the authority is in favour of improving catering facilities at the castle.

A spokesman for the Duke of Northumberland said last night: "All our interiors are very special and we appreciate their value, but equally we have to adapt to modern day life.

"We will take on board what the council is saying and work to achieve a suitable solution to their concerns."