A DERELICT care home targeted by vandals is to be demolished to make way for housing.

Darlington Borough Council's planning committee approved a proposal this week to replace Westfields House, in Cockerton Green, with 38 apartments and five town houses.

The application was made by Prestigious Living Ltd and sparked objections from some residents, who claimed the scheme was too large and not in-keeping with the area.

They also said the parking provision, for 59 spaces, was inadequate and the development would add to the existing problems of cars parking along Staindrop Road and Swaledale Avenue.

Despite these objections, and a petition signed by 43 residents, the committee approved the plans to help ease the growing pressure on housing in the borough.

Councillor Eric Wilson, who opposed the plans, said there was no objection from residents about demolishing the care home as it was "disused and being vandalised".

He added, however, the housing plans were too imposing for the conservation area.

"This is not an appropriate design for our area. There is a serious difference between what an architect perceives and what residents who have to live with it see."

Planning committee member Councillor Sheila Brown asked if the proposals could be postponed for a site visit, but this suggestion was rejected.

The plans were granted permission to help reach targets for the borough's housing requirements.

Only 150 more properties are needed to meet targets for the next 11 years.