RESIDENTS are preparing for a fresh battle to save a landmark pub.

The future of the renowned White Horse Pub and Hotel in Darlington is under threat again from developers.

Earlier this year, Premier Homes UK submitted plans to Darlington Borough Council for the North Road pub to be torn down to make way for a housing development.

The proposals, which caused an uproar among local residents, would have seen 64 apartments built on the site.

But the scheme was eventually withdrawn because of concerns about the potential impact on traffic in the area.

However, the council has confirmed it has received new proposals from the company.

A spokeswoman said: "An application was received last week. It is an application to demolish the existing building and redevelop the site with 21 one-bedroom apartments, 32 two-bedroom apartments and two three-bedroom apartments.

Local protestors say they are preparing to fight the development again.

Malcolm Guy, the vice-chairman of Whessoe parish council, said: "Nobody's seen the plans yet, but it's likely to cause a lot of opposition again." An informal meeting of the parish council was expected to take place yesterday evening.