CONSERVATIONISTS have criticised plans to demolish a care home on an estate of Edwardian mansions in Harrogate's conservation area.

The dispute is over plans by Antler Homes (Yorkshire) Ltd to demolish the home, on the corner of Duchy Road and Rutland Drive, and replace it with an apartment block.

Council planners are opposing the loss of a care home, while English Heritage and Harrogate Civic Society have opposed the destruction the building. English Heritage spokeswoman Alison Fisher said: "We are very concerned by the gradual erosion of historic character and interest in the Duchy Road area.

"We think the council should review the pressure this conservation area is under and give robust protection to its character by management policies and development briefs."

Civic society spokesman Henry Pankhurst said the group objected to the demolition in the Duchy area of homes which made a positive contribution to the conservation area.

The council has received nearly 180 letters of protest, including one from the Duchy Residents Association. Councillors are expected to reject the plan at a meeting on Tuesday.