TWO rundown sites in the centre of Darlington may be transformed by affordable homes.

Should plans be approved by Darlington Borough Council, land in Hargreave Terrace, near Darlington Bank Top station, and Westbrook Terrace, off Northgate, will be transformed by building 39 Edwardian-style flats.

Bath-based Circus Homes wants to build two-bedroom flats on both sites. The flats will be aimed at first-time buyers and will go on sale for about £100,000.

It is hoped that the regeneration of the two rundown sites will transform both areas.

Paul Janney, construction manager for Circus Homes, said: "I grew up in this area and I'm well aware of Darlington's proud heritage in Victorian and Edwardian architecture."

He said he hoped to design homes to reflect the town's heritage, preserving the architectural character.

The Hargreave Terrace site will consist of 15 two-bedroom apartments.

Jeff Arundell, managing director of Circus, said the planning application for the site has been submitted to the borough council.

Mr Arundell said the site was currently home to derelict workshops that had previously been used as an agricultural depot and for storage.

He said the flats would have a town house facade and the designs had been inspired by the old Methodist Church, on the corner of Victoria Road.

Westbrook Terrace, which was the site of the Parkin Ness depot, will consist of 24 two-bedroom flats that will mirror the design of Westbrook Villas, a group of houses opposite the site.

Mr Arundell said the company had talked to the borough council about the design, and the application would be submitted to planners today.

He said: "It is a challenge for us as developers to build affordable homes to sell at this level."

If the plans are approved, construction on the two sites will start in the new year.