AN application to demolish a Victorian house in the West End of Darlington has been refused.

Hunton Grange Developments had applied to Darlington Council to demolish Ashgrove House on the corner of Trinity Road and Cleveland Avenue and build eight four-storey town houses on the site.

The vacant building, which was last used as a guest house, stands within the Stanhope/Grange Road conservation area but is not listed.

Officers recommended refusal stating that the loss of the house in favour of the development would detract from the character and appearance of the area and be contrary to the Local Plan.

The proposed four-storey homes were also considered to be of an inappropriate design and officers believed the loss of trees within the site would have a detrimental impact.

Tim Wheeler, the council's planning services manager, said: "The existing building is well worthy of retention in our view."