THE radical transformation of Darlington town centre moved a step closer last week as heritage campaigners hit out at the council that took the decision.

Planning chiefs gave their backing to the dramatic alterations to High Row, part of a £6.5m town centre pedestrianisation scheme, at a packed meeting.

A majority of planning committee members voted in favour of the street's Victorian steps, railings and balustrades being removed.

They also agreed that listed building consent be given for the temporary dismantling of the 130-year-old Joseph Pease statue.

Their support for those controversial schemes means that only the go-ahead from Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's office is now needed.

Councillors also granted planning permission for a new level pedestrian area outside the High Row shops and a series of new floral and water features, together with other street furniture. Darlington Civic Trust, which collected more than 4,600 names on a petition opposing the work, conceded defeat, describing the meeting as 'a remarkable example of local democracy in 2005.'

Chairman Clive Owen said: "John Prescott's department is ensuring that the council gets as much money as it wants to do whatever it wants, as long as it bears the label 'regeneration.'

"His department is also responsible for ensuring that its own rules about planning in the historic environment are followed. Where there is a conflict of interests, such as here on High Row, the money always wins."

Mr Owen said of the planning meeting: "It is sad that this committee has no appreciation of art or aesthetics, or of the absolute importance of local history to local people."

But senior Labour councillors hailed the decision to back the applications as a 'once in a lifetime' move to create an outstanding town centre for future generations.

Coun David Lyonette, the council's heritage champion, said: "It is our duty to make a decision on behalf of the people of the town.

"In five years' time we will look back, and the people will look back, and say it was the right decision."