A TOWN centre housing scheme has been approved despite concerns from councillors about the demolition of historic buildings.

The proposal to knock down the premises from 13-18 Skinnergate and 2 Raby Terrace and redevelop the site was rubber stamped at a Darlington Borough Council Planning Applications Committee meeting on Wednesday.

The plans also involve renovating 12 Skinnergate, the listed former Wildsmith’s grocers, which has been damaged by fire.

The finished development is due to include six three-bed houses, flats and ground floor retail units.

READ MORE: Pictures: Darlington’s Skinnergate how it looked in years gone by

However, residents, councillors and public bodies expressed concerns about the demolition of 2 Raby Terrace, which Historic England said would be a loss to the significance of the conservation area. The Council for British Archaeology objected to the demolition of the building, as it said there was "insufficient justification".

Councillor Nick Wallis said the 1819 building's demolition represents "another blow to Darlington's shrinking heritage" and was joined by Skinnergate's ward councillor Libby McCollom in voting against the scheme.

Cllr Wallis added: "I am very concerned about the loss of this building."

Councillor McCollom said creating new buildings wouldn't be sustainable for the council.

"While we're striving forward as a council we can't lose sight of where we've come from," she said.

"I don't think that this is the right decision."

Skinnergate resident Clive Cooper told councillors building work for the redevelopment would see anti-social behaviour increase, have a detrimental impact on local businesses and restrict access along the road for the emergency services.

He said: "There's too much going on on Skinnergate for there to be a full closure during the building work. It's gping to be atrocious."

The council said the development is part of the council's regeneration plans, and fits with its desire to increase housing, and footfall, in the town centre.

And responding to councillors concerns at the meeting, David Coates, the council's Planning Development Manager, said: "By retaining 2 Raby Terrace we wouldn't be able to develop this scheme as we see it."

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