COUNCILLORS are being urged to support the demolition of a landmark pub, to pave the way for new homes.

The future of the White Horse Pub and Hotel, in North Road, Darlington, could finally be determined when Darlington Borough Council's planning committee meets next week.

Premier Homes UK has applied for permission to tear down the building, in the Harrowgate Hill area, and replace it with 55 apartments.

It is the second attempt the company has made to turn the pub into a residential site and it has been greeted by opposition.

Hundreds of people have attended public meetings and a campaign group has been established to fight the scheme.

But their efforts could prove to be in vain if councillors agree with the recommendations of town hall officers on Wednesday.

An officers' report to the committee says the case for retaining the pub is weak.

The officer said: "Other facilities are available within the locality and within a reasonable distance of the site.

"The site is used only as a hotel and public house, and so no other community services will be lost as a result of the development.

"While the views of local residents are noted, this is no justification, in the opinion of planning officers, to seek to retain the present building and no valid planning reason to refuse the application."

The recommendations have been made despite 127 letters of objection being sent to the council's planning department.

Protestors say the proposals are unsuitable and that more homes would lead to traffic chaos. Some say that the development is too large, the sewage system would not be adequate and there was no established need for flats.

Residents also pointed out that Harrowgate Hill has lost its post office and two petrol stations recently, and the pub's closure would result in more jobs being lost.

If approved, a legally-binding section 106 agreement would be drawn up with the developer. The firm would be asked to contribute £14,000 for play equipment in the area and £13,500 to upgrade bus shelters in North Road.