Sir, - We note (D&S, Oct 26) a new planning application has been submitted to Darlington Borough Council for the demolition of Chesterfield in Stanhope Road South.

The site is within the Stanhope Road/Grange Road Conservation Area, defined as "an area of special architectural and historic interest, the character and appearance of which is desirable to preserve or enhance".

The local authority's related statement calls the area "an Arcadian environment of high townscape value possessing a refined and mature quality".

Chesterfield is a major contributor to this character. We do not feel that, given its good condition and its possible adaptability for flats or further use as offices, etc, the proposals enhance the conservation area. More the opposite.

Chesterfield contributes to the character of the whole area. In particular, the unique design of the building with its single tower sweeps the traveller from Coniscliffe Road into Stanhope Road. The rich detailing on its facade is also worthy of note.

The proposed replacement does not meet these standards, nor does it pay any heed to this prominent corner.

We would ask any interested party to visit the area and, in particular, view the building from a position leaving the ring road from the Victoria Road roundabout and the end of Southend Avenue.

From there the impact this profile has on the townscape can be appreciated and to imagine it gone and replaced with a modern, indifferent, copy is not acceptable.

We feel that if these applications are approved they will set a precedent for future developments in conservation areas within Darlington.

NEIL M ANDERSON & JOHN R ELLIS

Anderson Ellis Partnership,

Duke Street,

Darlington.

Waste not...

Sir, - Further to your report "Charity shop throws away donations" (D&S, Oct 26), although we can't speak for most charity shops, we can affirm the Salvation Army shop in Thirsk (where we both volunteer) accepts items which sells for less than 70p.

Those things which for various reasons the shop can't sell, are passed on to other charities. Among others, Betty and I raise funds for the Jerry Green Dog Foundation via car boot sales, market stalls etc and will sell anything which a charity shop, for whatever reason, may reject.

It's nice to have donations in sparkling new condition but dirty clothes can be washed, broken boxes mended and missing buttons replaced. Clothing past repair can be sold for recycling into paper. There's no excuse.

MARGARET ARDEN & BETTY

WARDLE

Barley's Yard,

Thirsk