PLANS for a former bakery to be transformed into apartments and shops look likely to be rejected by councillors.

The proposals would see the site on Parkgate, in Darlington, accommodate 14 apartments and two retail units.

They are due to be considered by the borough council's planning committee when it meets on Wednesday. But town hall officers are recommending the development for refusal because it is not keeping with the existing character of the area.

A report to the committee says: "Officers consider that the development is not of an appropriate design and scale, and is significantly out of character with the immediate buildings and the street scene in its wider context.

"Officers have had pre-application and post-application discussions with the applicant and agent. However, the officers' concerns have not been satisfactorily overcome to recommend the development for approval."