PLANS for the renovation of a derelict mill, which has been the centre of controversy for several years, look likely to be given permission.

A new set of plans to convert Thorngate Mill, Barnard Castle, into 16 flats have been submitted to Teesdale District Council, and are due to be considered on Wednesday.

Over the past year, four sets of plans for the renovation of the mill have been submitted.

Each application was either withdrawn or deferred so the developer, Building Renaissance Company Limited, could solve parking issues.

The firm had hoped to construct a parking deck over the river. However, local residents complained this would affect the natural setting of the grade II-listed building.

The new plans still retain a parking deck, which is significantly smaller and made from solid stone.

The plan has been recommended for approval, and principal planning officer Trevor Watson said in a report: "The amended proposal represents a further visual improvement to the proposal previously submitted.

"Members should take into account that no objections have been received from English Heritage, the conservation officer or Durham County Council Landscape."

Ward councillor John Watson said that while options for basement parking had not been fully explored, the amended plans were a suitable compromise.

He said: "It is a difficult location and the position we have now reached will probably be the best result and progress can be made."

However, local resident Elizabeth Conran, a former curator of the Bowes Museum, said: "The mill is a historic part of Barnard Castle and everybody wants to see it repaired.

"But if someone can do it without overwhelming Thorngate with cars, or destroying the riverbank, I would love to hear from them.

"It seems the only way to solve it is to put the parking by the river, which is wrong, but sometimes wrong things get done."

English Heritage and the council's conservation officer do not favour basement parking, as the building is supported by iron pillars, and there was a danger of collapse if they were to be hit by a car.