PLANS to convert a derelict Barnard Castle mill into 16 apartments were given the go- ahead on Wednesday following the latest set of amendments.

While members of Teesdale District Council planning south committee remained anxious to see Thorngate Mill given a much-needed makeover, they had been unhappy about proposed parking arrangements.

This led to a number of previous applications being withdrawn or deferred to allow further dialogue with the developer, Cumbria based Building Renaissance Company Ltd, on how to progress.

Part of the firm's plan to solve parking issues at the mill involved the construction of a pier over the river, but the town council and residents complained that the original design was detrimental to the setting of the Grade II-listed building.

But the latest proposal, while retaining the raised parking deck, reduced the surface area and re-aligned the riverside edge, leaving the riverbank between the deck and river edge.

It was also intended that the outside edge of the deck was a solid stone wall down to river level, with sections of railings at parking level to allow water to flow across the deck in flood conditions.

The amended plan was recommended for approval by principal planning officer Trevor Watson who called it a further improvement to the plan previously submitted.

In a written report to members he reminded them that no objections had been raised by the Environment Agency, English Heritage, the highways authority or the county council's design conservation officer.

However, the town council continued to object, citing previous reasons. While a further five letters of objection had been received there was one from a previous objector now expressing support for the amended plans, albeit with reservations about the loss of trees.

While planning committee members retained some concerns about parking they felt the deferment had given the opportunity to negotiate the best deal they could hope for.

Coun John Watson said the key issues had been tackled and significantly improved, and complimented planning officers on their efforts to strike a balance on a difficult site.

Members voted to accept the planning officer's recommendation, with 15 conditions attached, and also granted listed building consent.