HOMEOWNERS have triumphed in a fight to save a “one-of-a-kind safe haven” in the heart of a Darlington conservation area.

A unique square of gardens enclosed by four rows of terraced houses in the West End had been considered for demolition to make way for a two-storey house.

But after more than 120 residents expressed their concerns over the plans to Darlington Borough Council, members of the authority's Planning Applications Committee made a unanimous decision to reject the project.

The patch of land, which is surrounded by back lanes and garages off Langholm Crescent, Uplands Road, Fife Cove, and Cleveland Avenue, attracted 44 objection letters and 79 signatures against the plans late last year.

The council’s decision to accept or reject the proposal had been expected in early April, but the committee delayed a verdict to allow members to make a visit to the site.

Elaine Hope was one of three objectors who implored councillors to vote against the application during a Town Hall meeting.

Mrs Hope said: “The quadrangle is unique and it’s part of Darlington’s conservation area.

“I understand that it’s one of very few in the North-East and the only one in Darlington and once it’s gone, it’s gone.

“It’s a thing of beauty with its own urban charm. It contributes to Darlington’s historic town and it deserves to be protected.”

Committee members raised concerns with planning officer, David Coates, who addressed the Council Chamber to say that guidelines over the development of heritage sites were not instructions.

But Councillor Ian Galletley added: “It needs to be refused to make the council credible.”

An agent speaking on behalf of the application submitted by Denise Vassilounis argued that unique square was “in need of repair”.

However none of the committee members were convinced by the plans, which could have seen a three-bedroom home built within the square, complete with a double garage.

A letter submitted by Darlington MP Jenny Chapman on behalf of 79 objectors who had signed a petition to block the application cited that privacy would be compromised by the proposed two-storey property.

The letter stated: “The council’s core strategy makes a commitment to contribute to the happiness, fulfilment, health and wellbeing of people who live and work in the borough by, among other things, safeguarding and enhancing the natural and historic environment.

“We believe [the application] will conflict with the privacy and quiet enjoyment of our homes and gardens and it will significantly alter the character of this conservation area.”

Councillor Gerald Lee’s move to refuse the application on the grounds that it was inconsistent with council policies was immediately seconded before members rejected the plan.