PLANS have been submitted to convert a nursery into nine new apartments tailored towards residents over the age of 55.

The proposals are to turn William House Nursery, which closed last month after the Government announced schools and nurseries should close to slow the spread of coronavirus, into one and two-bedroom flats.

The building, on Barton Street, Darlington, is grade II listed and was once a presbytery and the home of the priest of St William and St Francis de Sales.

It is close to a convenience store and is on a bus route.

The application, which has been submitted to Darlington Borough Council, says it already had level access and ramps, while accessibility will also be improved with the introduction of an internal lift.

Three of the apartments are set to have external access while the remaining flats would be accessed via the communal entrance.

Applicants Mrs and Mr Boulton say the application would reduce the demand for parking within the area by 70 per cent whilst also benefitting the local environment by reducing existing vehicle travel to the nursery.

The plan is currently yet to be decided so the public are still able to comment on the application by visiting the council's website.

The application is due to be decided by Friday, May 29.