A VICTORIAN house is set to be demolished and replaced with six detached properties despite concerns over flooding in the area.

Members of Darlington Borough Council’s planning applications committee granted an application to demolish Croft House, in Tees View, Hurworth Place, and replace it with six executive style detached homes.

The 19th Century house, which was built by Sir Ernest Cassell for his father and mother-in-law, lies on a flood plain.

As a result, the proposed development will be built on raised land, allowing water to be directed away from the properties and includes a flood water storage pond.

Since 2007, the site has been subject to a number of planning applications, which have attracted criticism from nearby residents who fear their homes will flood if the site is developed.

Speaking at the meeting, Hurworth Place resident Sue Williams said: “Residents are concerned about the impact water would have on their homes.

"We live in a zone three flood risk area. The proposed homes may be safe, but we do not want our homes to be put at greater risk.”

Hurworth ward councillors Martin Swainston and Joe Kelley have also spoken out against the plans, as they believe they do not include enough information on how residents’ homes will be protected.

Cllr Kelley said: “There has been no consultation done with residents. The developer hasn’t come and said this is what we are going to do, this is how we are going to mitigate against flooding.

“There has not been any talks or details on how flooding is going to be mitigated.”

However planning officer Dave Coates refuted a suggestion made by Cllr Kelly that the scheme had been rushed through the planning process, adding: "We believe we have come to some reasonable solution - it is not a scheme that would be used by a high volume house builder."

Members were told that although Croft House is of historical and architectural significance, the property is not in a conservation area and an application for conservation status was also unsuccessful.

The new properties will be built in a light brick, reflecting nearby properties, and will take inspiration from Croft House itself.

Cllr David Lyonette said: “This is a much better scheme then some of the ones that have been entered in the past.

“It is a nice scheme and the big concern is flooding but the Environment Agency has agreed what needs to be done and the developer has agreed what needs to be done.

“It is a good scheme, no doubt about it.”