LUXURY homes rather than small apartments could be built on the site of a former football stadium following a change of ownership.

The Esh Group was expected to start work shortly on 146 homes at Feethams, the former home of Darlington FC.

However, Persimmon Homes Teesside has confirmed that it is in the process of buying the site.

The previous plans included 56 homes ranging from two to four-bedroom houses, 38 one and two-bedroomed apartments and 52 retirement apartments, also one or two bedrooms.

But Persimmon said it would apply for planning permission for a luxury housing development.

Neil Foster, managing director of Persimmon Homes Teesside, which incorporates Charles Church, said: “Feethams was the home of Darlington FC for a number of years. However the site is actually owned by Esh Group who have an existing planning permission to build 146 homes.

“We are currently negotiating to buy the site from Esh and we hope to submit a planning application later this year with a view to building luxury Charles Church homes.”

Darlington Council said any new plans would have to include some affordable housing.

A spokeswoman said there was no obligation within the local planning framework that dictated the size and number of houses that should be built on the land.

However, she added: “Any new planning application will need to demonstrate how it meets housing needs including affordable housing.

“We are anticipating a revised application from whoever purchases the site from the Esh Group. Any new developer will have their own ideas on how the site is developed, but this will have to include affordable homes.”

A campaign has been launched by Quakers fans to return football to Feethams.

News of the sale of the site and further delays before building work will start has prompted calls for the campaign to be stepped up.

One fan on the Save Feethams Facebook page said: “All Darlo FC fans need to get on board the save Feethams bus, make it known that the residents and sports fans of the town want Feethams as a sports hub and not a housing development.”