PLANS have been submitted to build an apartment block for eight homes alongside an area of housing.

Leigh Cooper Associates has submitted the application to Darlington Borough Council for the apartments in Harris Street, Darlington.

The company's plans said the site already had consent for more housing and the application would provide a "better variety and availability for first-time buyers".

The road, in the Eastbourne area of the town, already has a mix of housing styles, but predominantly semi-detached homes and Victorian terraces.

The application states: "The site could be developed with a higher density without affecting amenity in terms of public space and car parking.

"The area is in need of lower cost housing. Although the number of flats provided falls before the level where affordable housing provision would be required, the proposal clearly seeks to offer accommodation at the lower range of the housingmarket."

A new access road and 12 parking spaces are proposed.