CONTROVERSIAL plans to demolish an abandoned Victorian home and replace it with executive homes must not be granted permission in their current form, a senior councillor has warned.

Darlington Borough Council's planning committee will consider proposals for the demolition of Croft House, in Tees View, Hurworth Place.

Hurworth councillor Martin Swainston has joined some local residents in objecting to the proposals.

He said a flood assessment had not been updated since the last planning application was submitted earlier in the year, adding: "Displaced water will unfortunately place at risk neighbouring properties and their protection from flood risk must be paramount.

"Building new houses on a man made hill to protect them, while neighbours flood, is not satisfactory.

"The issues of Croft House has been causing stress and worry for neighbouring properties for over six years now.

"Concerns regarding loss of trees, site drainage and a raised road access remain unanswered and now DBC planners are suggesting approval.

"I would hope that the planning committee rejects this application and the developer spends the time to come up with a development that wont raise the spectre of flooding amongst its neighbours. "This development in its current form must not be granted permission."

A report prepared for committee members acknowledge that the loss of Croft House would be 'harmful' to the immediate area, particularly neighbouring properties.

However, it adds that harm to heritage assets is acceptable in certain circumstances, including in cases of public benefit and high-quality development.

The proposals – which are for executive homes – have been lodged under the name Foster Lee, having previously been applied for by social landlord Broadacres Housing Association.

A report from the council's conservation officer said: "While I will be sad to see Croft House go, because of its clear local value, as residents' objections are clear and numerous about, I am not confident planning policy provides us with grounds to resist its loss.

"If we were to refuse this application, we would be unlikely to be successful should the applicant appeal.

"It is not a listed building, it is not in a conservation area and locally valuable buildings have little protection through the planning process.

"Consequently, I can have no formal objections to this application."

Ten local residents have formally objected to the development, citing concerns about the proposed houses dominating nearby homes.

Croft House, which was built in the 19th Century for Stockton businessman Robert Thompson Maxwell, lies on a flood plain close to the River Tees.

Despite residents' objections, which have been echoed by the Campaign to Protect Rural England, town hall planning officers are recommending planning permission be granted, subject to a raft of conditions.

It is likely the applicant will have to enter into an agreement to make contributions towards improvements to nearby open space, as well as education and transport facilities.

The planning committee meets at 1.30pm on Wednesday (December 17).