PLANS for a two-storey apartment block in the centre of Darlington have been criticised by the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

A tyre depot at the corner of Coniscliffe Road, West Street and Northumberland Street would have to be demolished to make way for the 24 flats. The present Thirties building is said to have an overall design in the form of art deco.

Commenting on the new block, the CPRE says: "The monstrosity is totally out of character with this area of Darlington." It describes it as "a visual carbuncle".

Darlington Civic Trust objects to the poor design and choice of materials on such a prominent town centre site, out of keeping with the surrounding properties.

Thomas Watson Valuers says the building will not stand the test of time like the surrounding late eighteenth and early nineteenth century properties which it should complement.

The firm adds that it would be unwise to give up a key commercial town centre site to be solely residential. But the council's design and conservation officer says the design is a style that is a contemporary interpretation of a classical terrace.

"Overall this proposal represents an enhancement to the conservation area, but there is a recognition that detail will be the key to achieving a quality appearance."

The application will be decided by Darlington Borough Council planning committee next Wednesday.