Campaigners vow to take hotel fight to the High Court

They want a judicial review after Darlington Borough Council approved a controversial scheme to demolish the White Horse Pub and Hotel, in North Road.

Last month, the borough council's planning committee supported proposals to build 55 apartments in place of the hotel - to the fury of residents, who had been fighting against the plans since they were first mooted in March.

When the committee made its decision, the Save the White Horse campaign group immediately announced it would appeal against the decision and, following a public meeting this week, confirmed that it had a plan of action.

A central feature of that plan will be an immediate application for a judicial review, to try to get the council's decision quashed by the High Court.

Group spokesman Mike Cartwright said: "Based on case law, we feel that we have a strong case which will ultimately result in the planning permission being revoked after the case is heard in the High Court.

"It would certainly be a brave developer that would commence a development with the potential for the planning permission being revoked." In addition, campaigners will be calling on the Local Government Ombudsman to investigate. They are seeking a public inquiry about the matter and asking for a parish referendum.

They also want an investigation carried out through the borough council's scrutiny committee.

Mr Cartwright added: "In general, as a group of residents disgusted at the way Darlington Borough Council has treated us, we would like to send the message that we have not given up and that we will take our fight all the way to the High Court, or indeed European Court, if necessary."

A council spokesman said last night: "If anyone has a complaint against the council, there's an official procedure. If they want to complain, they should do so through the proper channels."

The apartments scheme was approved by a narrow majority of votes at last month's committee meeting.