PLANS to increase a scheme for a two-storey block of flats in Darlington town centre to three-storeys were approved yesterday.

In September, planning permission was granted for the construction of a two-storey block of 11 flats in Clarks Yard, off Skinnergate. No car parking spaces were included in the scheme.

But the application was resubmitted to increase the flats to 15 and add an extra storey.

Michelle Douglas, who runs creative workshops from a unit in Clarks Yard, appealed to Darlington Borough Council's planning committee to refuse the application. She said: "The original permission was not for three storeys, because the applicant knew it would be rejected. It is much easier to come back after nearly two years and get three-storeys. Adding a third floor means daylight will be shut out in my workroom for most of the day, and just because the flats have no car parking spaces does not mean the residents will not use the three spaces we have in the yard already. This will just put residents against business people."

No member voted against the scheme.