PROPOSALS to demolish two unused service wings and replace them with a swimming pool extension at a grade II listed house were passed with only the barest comment on Wednesday despite the regret of heritage groups.

The Hon Harry Vane applied to Teesdale District Council for listed building consent to make the changes at Selaby Hall, near Gainford. His proposals also include the formation of an atrium, around which the remaining service quarters will be reorganised. Mr Vane plans to remove some internal stairs, steps and walls and make alterations to windows on the hall's west elevation.

Coun Ken Coates, the only member to speak on the issue, told the council's planning south committee that there was nothing in the planning officer's report to warrant refusal, and he supported its recommendations for acceptance.

In a report compiled by planning officer Andrew Bishop, English Heritage stated that the evidence of fabric exposed to date did not possess such intrinsic historic quality to justify its retention. It regretted the loss of the service building, but would not oppose its demolition providing appropriate archaeological recording was in place to monitor the demolition work.

The Georgian Group panel also regretted the loss of the substantial wing, and was extremely concerned that the demolition might involve the destruction of a small but significant amount of late medieval fabric. The panel also felt the swimming pool design inappropriate for the setting and that it should be improved.

Gainford and Langton Parish Council requested conditional permission be granted, assuming compliance with the relevant regulations would be monitored by planning officers.

Mr Bishop's report pointed out that the service wings had little more than 20 years' use before being largely given up after the First World War. Apart from military requisitioning in the Second World War, they had been disused for more than 80 years.

Members agreed that listed building consent be granted subject to seven conditions