A DEVELOPER hoping to convert a Grade-II listed hotel into houses and flats has agreed to scale down its plans following overwhelming opposition from residents.

Coast and Country, which owns Croft Spa Hotel, near Darlington, wanted to convert it into ten flats, six two-storey houses, 14 two-storey apartments and nine three-storey apartments.

It has agreed to submit amended plans after a public meeting last Friday, when residents aired their concerns about increased traffic and car parking.

At a meeting of Hurworth Parish Council on Tuesday, councillors agreed to object to the conversion, which would involve outbuildings being knocked down and the loss of the hotel.

Borough councillor Peter Foster said: "I am very disappointed at the loss of something ancient. The hotel was the main coach inn on the London route. We keep losing amenities - we have already lost the Newbus Arms."

Objections to the development were based on the traffic flow through the village, the amount of new developments in the area and a loss of amenities.

Resident Malcolm Rennison said people feared the character of the village would be ruined by the scheme.

A spokeswoman for the hotel confirmed the plans would be withdrawn and amended to reduce the number of homes.

She said that residents' fears over parking and clogging of the village's sewage systems were unfounded.