COUNCIL bosses have rejected new claims from campaigners fighting to save a landmark Darlington pub.

Premier Homes UK has applied to the borough council for permission to demolish the White Horse Hotel, in North Road, and build 55 apartments.

The company has submitted amended plans for the scheme, which was withdrawn earlier this year because of concerns about traffic congestion.

Residents have pledged to fight against the development and more than 100 people attended a public meeting last week.

However, the council has strongly refuted accusations from a Save The White Horse protest group that its planning process was "developer-biased". The group claimed that the developer had promised to make an investment in local amenities throughout Darlington if planning permission was granted - and members questioned whether the authority's judgement would be clouded by that.

But a council spokeswoman said last night, that a section 106 agreement, widely used in planning cases, would come into effect if permission was given.

The agreement states that the company must provide money for the infrastructure for the site.

In the case of the White Horse, money would go towards the community around the pub, for a play area near the site and improvements to bus stops.