PLANS to convert a large Victorian building into houses will be discussed by councillors tomorrow.

Norton House, in Hartlepool, was formerly known as Owton Fens Hostel, before it became a residential home for the elderly.

An application has been received by Hartlepool Borough Council for permission to convert the three-storey building into three houses and build two houses in the back garden.

Residents have objected to the plans raising concerns about the possible loss of trees, increase in traffic and loss of privacy.

The decision has been deferred from an earlier meeting when members of the committee asked for a bat survey to be carried out.

A report to the meeting says: "Although there are various considerations that are felt to weigh in favour of granting planning permission, the applicant has to date failed to complete and return the findings of a bat survey in relation to the site.

"This information is considered to be vital to the proper assessment of the application.

"As the requirement has been outstanding for some time, it is likely that if a satisfactory survey has not been undertaken and submitted in time for the meeting, the recommendation will be to refuse the application on grounds of insufficient information."