Plans to restore a Darlington vicarage and build four new homes on its grounds have been approved by the council.

The project at St James Vicarage, Vicarage Road, involves transforming the deteriorating Victorian building into a seven-bedroom residence while constructing four four-bedroom homes with garages and parking on the site.

Plans were adjusted several times to address environmental and heritage concerns, before approval was granted by Darlington Borough Council on Friday.

The development must start within three years and adhere to approved plans, covering layout, landscaping, elevations, and garage details.

Each home will have electric vehicle charging points and broadband connectivity.

The homes will also meet accessibility standards, with specific adaptations for wheelchair use in one dwelling.

Noise mitigation measures, including specialised glazing and ventilation, will be in place for homes facing Haughton Road.

A bat survey and mitigation measures for the vicarage, which previously hosted roosting bats, are also part of the conditions.

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The site, close to Darlington College, is in a mixed residential area and has recently been subjected to vandalism.

Initially, the proposal was to demolish the vicarage and build ten bungalows, which was not supported due to heritage and traffic safety issues.

Later amendments proposed subdividing the vicarage into apartments with multiple townhouses, but these were also rejected over highway concerns.

Now, approved proposals retain the vicarage as a single-family dwelling with fewer new homes.

The vicarage, identified as a non-designated heritage asset, will be retained and restored, while new homes are designed with features such as bay windows and gables to complement the historic architecture.

The development falls within the Tees catchment area and requires nutrient neutrality compliance due to potential nitrogen impact on sensitive coastal areas.

A provisional certificate from Natural England demonstrates that credits for nutrient mitigation have been secured.

The site is within Flood Zone 1, meaning it is at low risk.

Northumbrian Water has approved the drainage proposal, contingent on detailed design submission for managing foul and surface water.