PLANS for one of Darlington's old buildings to be transformed into luxury homes have been revealed.

Leftbank Developments has released artists' drawings on the future appearance of Faverdale Hall.

The Newcastle-based company was granted planning permission last week to convert the front of the hall into apartments and the stables into three houses.

Faverdale Hall belonged to the Stowell family, of Darlington, from 1770 to 1897, when it was sold to keen fox hunter Charles Hubert Backhouse. It was sold to the North Eastern Railway in 1913, and was last used as a training and activity centre by British Rail.

Tim Wynn, managing director of Leftbank Developments, said: "We are delighted with the planning approval.

"The striking thing about the scheme is that, within the six acres of private grounds, not only has the very mature parkland feel been kept, but also the mix of housing styles.

"Eighteen distinctive new-build houses within the grounds will be complemented by the retention of the fine original parts of the hall."