FRESH plans have been submitted to demolish a Darlington town centre house that was saved earlier this year after a public outcry backed by architects.

Darlington Building Society withdrew its plans to raze Chesterfield - at the junction of Stanhope Road - in April.

Instead its subsidiary, Darlington Homes, submitted revised plans for 12 apartments on a courtyard at the rear, fronting Scarth Street.

These were approved by the borough council in June. This week, a revised scheme was revealed, involving demolition of the imposing 1914 corner house and replacing it with a block of 18 three-storey flats, instead of the original 15.

Mr David Copland, the society's marketing manager, said: "We have taken into account what the planners and the local residents have said. "Chorley Cottage - earmarked for four flats - will be offered for sale, perhaps to someone who has an affinity with the property and its arts and crafts details."

Because Chesterfield was a distinctive and prominent building, architects had tried to reflect that in the new design of the block of flats.

Local architects, Mr Neil Anderson and his partner, Mr John Ellis, were the first to object to the original demolition plans. His firm had produced sketches to alter it into ten flats.

This week he said: "It has been said that it can't be converted to domestic use, but I would challenge that. "