A major redevelopment of a Darlington street is set to continue after new housing plans were proposed. 

A former shop on Consicliffe Road could be partly demolished and converted into apartments and townhouses. 

Goldmart, the applicant, hopes to build four flats and two new homes at 17 Coniscliffe Road as part of the town centre plans. 

Having already converted and restored the historic building next door, a planning statement outlines the intention of “restoring Consicliffe Road as housing and to provide an attractive environment which allows people to live as well as work within Darlington town centre.”

The four-storey mid-terraced building is currently vacant and covered in scaffolding. It previously housed a hi-fi equipment store, but Darlington Borough Council was recently urged to clean up the site at a full council meeting. 

However, the derelict condition of the site could impact future redevelopment. A planning statement notes how the roof structure has “failed”. A flat-roofed extension and garage to the rear of the property would be demolished. 

It is hoped the the conversion will reinstate the Georgian facade facing Northumberland Street. 

The planning application will be considered by Darlington Borough Council in due course. 

Elsewhere on Coniscliffe Road, work is set to start this month on installing permanent pavement cafes outside businesses. A pocket park with trees, seating, and fencing will also be built while existing pavements will be widened to facilitate the outdoor areas. 

The section of Coniscliffe Road - between Grange Road and West Street/ Larchfield Street - comprises a mix of offices, bars, restaurants, the Darlington County Court building, commercial units, and a residential development.

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The redevelopment is estimated to cost around £940,000 and has been designed to boost town centre trade. 

“Outdoor dining has become characteristic of this part of Coniscliffe Road,” Darlington Borough Council said. “The proposed widening of the pavements has been proposed to enable the continuation of this activity to increase footfall to this section of Coniscliffe Road.

“The planning application to alter this section of Coniscliffe Road is driven by a need to support the local economy, addressing business needs whilst creating a more comprehensive pedestrian and cyclist environment.”