RESIDENTS fighting a new retail and office development in Darlington fear the value of their properties could be slashed if it goes ahead.

Darlington Borough Council looks set to grant approval for the two storey building with 78 car parking spaces, in Yarm Road.

But scores of angry residents living near the site say they will fight the plans.

Nine letters of objection from people living in Albatross Way and a 45 signature petition from residents of the nearby Phoenix Court sheltered housing complex have been received by the council.

The protestors claim that the development will block their view and reduce the value of their homes, while also being a possible target for vandals.

They also fear it would become a white elephant with a number of units on Yarm Road shopping parade - which will back onto the development - already empty.

Alexander Bissell, of Albatross Way, said: "This will definitely affect the price of my property, which I was trying to sell.

"It wants knocking on the head and sharpish."

Another resident, who did not want to be named, threatened legal action against the council.

She said: "I moved here because it was quiet and we have spent a lot of money on our home building it up.

"If I lose that money I will consider taking action against the council."

A report to Darlington Council's planning applications committee says there is a need for investment in the area to link with the existing Aldi and Iceland stores.

It says that the Phoenix Court complex is sufficiently far enough away to avoid any significant loss of view or privacy.

The building would not overlook adjacent houses in Albatross Way as its windows are to be constructed in obscure glass.

David Lesuer, an agent for developers Edinburgh and Newcastle Properties, refused to speculate on the retail aspects of the development.

But he said: "We know of the objections and we have taken them into consideration.

"We don't want to upset residents as they are people who might actually use this building."

A meeting, next Wednesday, will decide whether the plan goes ahead.