OBJECTORS are stepping up their fight against plans to build a block of six flats on the site of a garage in Hurworth.

Church View Garage, one of the last remaining businesses in the village, would be demolished to make way for the two-storey block.

The proposed site is opposite All Saints' Church, which has Norman origins.

The planned flats have an attic layout with rooms in the roof space. There would be four flats at the front of the building and two at the back. The garage forecourt would be used for parking, providing eight spaces.

Residents living in Church View say the size of the development conflicts with the local plan and the proposed parking area is inadequate.

They also argue that the flats would not be in keeping with surrounding properties and would make the rest of the homes in Church View look like "Noddy cottages".

Church View resident Tony Sanderson said: "The traffic and parking spaces outside the garage are bad enough now, but the flats and the new parking will be a danger to the kiddies. They have to pass parking area to get to the school bus. There is also a residential home along the road."

Neighbour Kathleen Spence said: "The flats are going to look like an inner city development and they are going to stand out in the village. The buildings will be too tall compared to the cottages in Church View.

"When we look out of our back windows, we will also be looking at a brick wall as the building will be longer at the back than our cottages.

"We would prefer cottages instead of flats and the development has to be in keeping with the village. We don't want to spoil its character.

"The amount of parking and traffic is also a worry. There will be six flats so that means at least six cars."

The residents have signed a petition against the proposal and have contacted Darlington Borough Council requesting a public meeting.