THE owners of a 200-year-old building that partly collapsed last year will learn next week whether they can demolish the rest of it.

Graham Levy was renovating two terraced shops in Haughton Green, Darlington, in September, when a chimney breast gave way.

The internal wall between the two properties collapsed and he was left with arm and leg injuries.

Mr Levy, who lives near Heighington, County Dur- ham, with his wife, Barbara, has applied to the borough council for planning permission to demolish the remaining structure.

If the proposals are supported by planning committee members on Wednesday, the site will be redeveloped to provide two, one-bedroomed houses.

Two letters of objection to the scheme have been received, but council officers are recommending approval.