A HOTEL has been granted permission to expand despite objections from neighbours.

Melsonby Properties had its plans for the Grey Horse Hotel, in Haughton Green, Darlington, approved by Darlington Borough Council subject to conditions which councillors believe will resolve residents' objections.

The application was to demolish part of the back of the building and rebuild with a one and two-storey extension, and to increase the number of parking spaces from 19 to 24 at the rear.

Residents feared the extension would be out of keeping with the conservation area, did not adequately cover the extra parking resulting from the extension, and would cause access problems in Rose Lane.

But the committee imposed conditions that the access should be upgraded, improved street lighting should be installed because of the loss of light in Rose Lane, and signage for the car park should be provided to encourage visitors not to park on the streets