A £1.5m redevelopment scheme at a sheltered housing complex has been welcomed by councillors.

Dalkeith House, in Darlington, is to get a hair salon, gymnasium and spa bath as part of the scheme approved by Darlington Borough Council's planning committee on Wednesday.

The complex, off Tees Grange Avenue, which provides flats for elderly people, is to be extended and updated under the plans.

Councillor Cliff Hutchinson said: "I think it's a very welcome revitalisation. It brings this development right up to date."

The chairman of the council's planning committee, Councillor Frank Robson, said: "It is going to provide a wonderful amenity for the area."

The redevelopment is aimed at providing a better quality of life for the Dalkeith House residents, and helping them to achieve greater independence.

Neighbours told the committee they were concerned about extra parking in the area.

They also said there was a problem with trees overhanging street lamps in the area.

Thirty units at the complex, which is run by the local authority, still have shared bathrooms.

The units will be transformed into fully accessible living accommodation.

There will also be a lounge and caf for socialising, and a mini-resource centre providing computers for use by residents.

The communal facilities will be linked by an arcade, which will provide a sitting and coffee area. A second, six-space car park, to accommodate ambulances, taxis and disabled parking, is also to be created at the complex.

The scheme is expected to be the first in a series across the borough, as the Government brings in new standards for the care of elderly people nationally.