A £45m Darlington shopping centre could be larger than originally planned.

Proposals have been submitted to Darlington Borough Council seeking permission for a former church and Inland Revenue building to be demolished to provide more retail space in the Commercial Street development.

Under the proposals, the former United Reformed Church in Union Street would be demolished, making room for another big store to be included in the centre.

Objections have been received from Fisher Carpets, which occupies the church building, and Darlington Civic Trust.

The company's solicitors have written to the council saying negotiations with the developers, St Martin's Property Investments, were continuing and the planning application was premature.

Council planning committee members will discuss the application on Wednesday.