CAMPAIGNERS rocked by the decision to allow a controversial flats development in the West End of Darlington now face the prospect of losing a neighbouring Victorian house.

The owners of the building, formerly the Grantley nursing home in Carmel Road North, have applied for permission to demolish it and replace it with four detached houses.

The home was previously owned by the former head of Darlington-based company Farmway, and at one time housed the firm's offices.

Last week, Darlington Borough Council reversed its decision against Shepherd Homes' development in the grounds of Greystones, despite the biggest ever objection to a single housing development in the town.

Mr David Hayward, who led the campaign against Shepherd's proposal, told the D&S Times that there would be further local opposition to this latest application.

He said: "Although this building is not as grand as Greystones, residents are still furious that yet another Victorian property is under threat. It would be another loss of Darlington's heritage and it reaffirms our fears that Greystones could go the same way."

He added: "Nobody would argue that the nursing home is in need of some sort of improvement, but we would prefer a conversion rather than demolition."