CAMPAIGNERS who waged a battle to save a landmark North-East pub from demolition were yesterday celebrating the scrapping of the controversial proposals.

But they fear that the future of the White Horse Pub and Hotel, at the north end of Darlington, could still be in jeopardy.

Earlier this year, Premier Homes UK submitted plans to Darlington Borough Council for the North Road pub to be torn down to make way for a major housing development.

Under the proposals, 64 apartments would have been built on the Harrowgate Hill site.

However, residents who were fighting the closure have now learned that the scheme has been withdrawn because of concerns about the impact on traffic in the area.

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said yesterday: "The application has been withdrawn, following negotiations between the council and the applicants' agents.

"Over the last few weeks, various issues were identified, particularly the potential issue of traffic congestion.

"It was perceived that there could be an unacceptable increase in traffic around the complex, particularly the Burtree Lane junction."

She added: "The council has advised them to start from scratch. Our understanding is that they'll undertake some kind of traffic study, especially looking at that junction to assess a viable option."

Campaigners welcomed the withdrawal of the planning application, but said they were worried more plans could soon be drawn up.

Malcolm Guy, Whessoe parish council's vice-chairman, said: "Everybody is delighted, but they can submit more plans.

"As soon as any new plans arrive, they will be sent to us. The parish council will be keeping an eye on this."

The threat to the pub sparked a great deal of controversy, with a public meeting called by the parish council last month attracting about 100 people.

Hundreds of objections were sent to the borough council's planning department, while the Campaign for Real Ale also opposed the closure.