A PUBLIC meeting and a petition to fight the demolition of a Victorian building are being organised by people in the West End of Darlington.

They have voiced their concern over Darlington Building Society's plans for the block in Stanhope Road, featuring the Chesterfield building, to be demolished and replaced with flats.

The company believes the new block and conversion of the existing Chorley Cottage into a total of 31 flats will incorporate existing external architectural features and overcome foundation problems.

It also believes the development will bring more residents into an area which is primarily designed for that use.

The building is on the corner of Langholm Crescent and Stanhope Road, and is the society's former premises.

It had been occupied by Darlington College of Technology until its lease ran out and was not renewed.

Among fears voiced by residents are the destruction of the attractive buildings, the need for car parking, that the building would be sold to the highest bidder, and that the scheme would set a precedent in the area, resulting in more flats and devaluation of their properties.

John and Pauline Suckling, of Langholm Crescent, have circulated notices calling for objectors to write to Darlington Borough Council.

They also plan to form an action group to fight the development.

In a letter to Darlington Borough Council, Mr Suckling said: "I am concerned that Darlington Building Society have made this application to demolish what is a very aesthetically pleasing and unique building of great external character, to replace it with what only can be described as modern brick buildings designed to contain as many occupants as possible."

A spokesman for the building society said the fears were unfounded and pointed to a development on the corner of Coniscliffe Road and Greenmount Road, which had improved the site and helped to increase property prices.

He said: "There is absolutely nothing for anybody to fear, because the buildings we have planned will actually enhance and improve that area of Stanhope Road and Coniscliffe Road.

"From the point of view of restoring and improving that area of town, it is entirely in keeping with the history of what is an attractive residential area."

He said it was regretful that protestors had not contacted the company.

"What would be detrimental to the area in the West End of Darlington is to allow plots like this to be maintained as semi-commercial plots," he said.

The council's planning committee will to discuss the plans in the near future