A DROP-IN centre for the disabled could be set up in the grounds of Darlington's Art Centre.

Darlington Borough Council's planning committee is to consider an application to turn a former caretaker's house on the site into a drop-in centre.

The centre would be used as a social and information facility for disabled people in the Darlington area.

Work to create the centre would involve demolishing the building's porch and removing a ground-floor window to allow the construction of two ramps for wheelchairs.

Parking spaces would also be created on three sides of the building, with landscaping to shield the cars from the street. There would also be security lighting and a speed ramp.

Andrew Harker, of the council, said: "It is considered that the external alterations to the dwelling and the introduction of the additional parking bays would not have a detrimental impact in the surrounding area, which is a conservation area."

If the plans are approved, a dedicated parking area for Dial-a-Ride vehicles would also be created, because many disabled people in the town rely on the service and the large vehicles need more space than cars.

The planning committee will meet on Wednesday to decide whether to approve the plans for the new centre.