TEN flats could be built on the site of one of Darlington's most unusual buildings, under proposals going before councillors next week.

Coniscliffe Property Developments is seeking planning permission from the borough council to build the flats on land presently occupied by the old Rise Carr pub.

The pub would have to be demolished to make way for the development, which would also include eight parking spaces.

The building stands out in the mainly industrial Whessoe Road because of the painted figurehead capitals, which were carved by Barnard Castle stonemason Robert Borrowdale in 1867.

In August 2003, English Heritage was asked by local campaigners to include the pub on its statutory list of buildings of special architectural and historical interest.

The request was turned down but, had it been approved, the pub would have been protected against demolition.

Planning committee members are expected to approve the flats when they meet on Wednesday.

The building has been assessed by council officers and is said to be in a dangerous condition.

A report to councillors states: "The demolition of the public house is unfortunate. However, the building is not listed, nor is it included within a conservation area."