PLANS to demolish a "blot" on Darlington town centre's landscape to make way for a four-storey office block have been approved.

North-East Property Holdings has been granted permission by Darlington Borough Council's planning committee to demolish the Archer Street sports hall, a primary care trust medical centre and a warehouse for the offices and 85-space car park.

Darlington Civic Trust had written voicing concerns about members' preference for housing on the site, the obtrusive nature of a four-storey building and issues concerning traffic.

A spokesman for North-East Property Holdings said at the meeting yesterday the company was willing to reconsider design features.

The spokesman said: "We have taken on board the suggestion the development could have been sited at Morton Palms, but two possible occupiers have a specific requirement for a town centre location."

He added that the 3,000 square metre building would provide accommodation for a large number of workers and easy access to the town centre, which would help other businesses.

Councillor Cyndi Hughes raised concerns that people in neighbouring houses would have the four-storey office block on one side and a five-storey car park on the other, when the Queen Street shopping development is completed.

Planning officer Julian Smith said nearby housing faced on to a courtyard and would not be adversely affected.

Council leader Councillor John Williams said: "The buildings there at the moment are a blot on the landscape. The whole area needs an update. If we don't approve this today we could have a blot on the landscape for another ten years or more."