PLANS to create 73 homes on a site which includes the trackbed of the historic Stockton & Darlington Railway and a Grade II listed engine shed have been approved.

The scheme will see the derelict two-storey shed converted into seven cottages on the two acre brownfield site off Haughton Road, Darlington - bordering the East Coast mainline.

It will also include an apartment block containing one bedroom flats together with a mix of new-build homes.

A report to Darlington Borough Council's planning committee recognised the historic importance of the area. It said: “There are a number of heritage assets on the site, specifically the Grade II listed former engine shed which forms part of the proposal and is to be converted to seven mews cottages, and the trackbed of the former Stockton and Darlington Railway.

“While this is not formally protected, it is an important non-designated heritage asset of international significance.

“Appropriate new developments can enhance the setting of the listed building and subject to the use of appropriate materials, this should be achieved.

“The development will bring about the re-use of the former engine shed, a Grade II listed building at risk.

“While the [access] road will be built over the route of the trackbed, this will ensure that the route remains publicly accessible.”

Support was expressed over the shed conversion, which was granted listed status in 2008 to celebrate its importance as part of the Newcastle and Darlington Junction Railway in 1844-45.

But objections were raised by the Campaign to Protect Rural England and the Friends of the Stockton and Darlington Railway over the access road.

Ross Chisholm, of the Friends of the S & DR, said: “The Friends have a long-term intention to create a footpath and cycle route following the whole length of the line and we see this as a key opportunity within the built up area of Darlington.

“As far as the former engine shed is concerned, we would have preferred it to remain in some workshop use, but we realise that this is unlikely. The proposed conversion seems to retain the integrity of the building.”

The CPRE said: “[We] object in the strongest possible terms to the use of all the site for housing, including the track of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.

“If the trackbed is retained as open space which can be used to remember and promote the railway history of the area, we would accept housing on the rest of the site.”

A group of protected willow trees will be cut down to make way for the proposed apartment block, but an existing footpath linking Allan Street to Haughton Road will be maintained.