A DISUSED church could be demolished to make way for apartments.

Members of Stockton Borough Council's planning committee will meet today to discuss the proposed demolition of St James's Church and free-standing cross at High Newham Road, Stockton. Eighteen apartments would be built.

The accommodation would be marketed to the local community, and in particular to clinical, administrative and ancillary staff at the University Hospital of North Tees.

A report said: "The church has been redundant for many years, with no worship taking place. As the building is empty, it has become derelict and vandalised and surplus to requirementents. The community do not appear to need the services of this particular church and, as it serves as no functional use in the community as it is now closed, this application is to be welcomed in ridding the area of a building that is becoming an eyesore. The building itself is in fact a fairly modern one with little architectural merit."

Councillors are recommended to approve the plan.

The report said: "This is an area of mixed density where transport links are good and the hospital has an employment base that require such flats. The application is therefore recommended for approval."