THE demolition of a Victorian building will be one of the worst examples of commercial vandalism in Darlington in 20 years, it has been claimed.

Darlington Building Society wants to build flats on the site of its former premises in Stanhope Road.

It submitted an application to Darlington Borough Council after the previous tenant, Darlington College of Technology, decided not to renew its lease.

But the application has not been universally welcomed, with some people saying the original building should be kept.

John Ellis and Neil Anderson, of Darlington architects Anderson - Ellis Partnership, believe the building could be converted into flats without it having to be demolished.

In a letter to The Northern Echo they said: "If this development goes ahead it will be one of the worst examples of commercial vandalism that has occurred in Darlington in the past 20 years. We find it extraordinary that Darlington Building Society are seriously contemplating these proposals. As a major company in the town it should respect the local environment, not destroy it in the search for higher profits."

The society says it has talked with Darlington Borough Council's conservation architect to ensure some of the features of the existing building will be incorporated into the new development.

David Copland, the society's marketing manager, said: "We are very keen to retain the existing features wherever possible.