REVISED plans have been submitted to build homes on the site of a unique Thirties art deco house.

Developers have permission to demolish The Rookery, in South View, Eaglescliffe, near Yarm, and create 13 apartments in two blocks.

The new application - which is recommended for approval - wants to build three detached homes with double garages instead.

It is believed The Rookery once belonged to a sea captain and was designed to look like a ship's bridge.

Councillor Maureen Rigg, who represents Eaglescliffe, on Stockton Borough Council, said: "The big fight was to keep it as it stands, but we lost that battle last year. It is a case of making the best of what we have got."

In a report to the planning committee, former Eaglescliffe councillor, John Fletcher said: "It is a very sad day when the demolition of a building that's unique in our area is allowed.

"Sadly, the principle of demolition was allowed some time ago because the owner produced a survey showing that the structure wasn't sound and that underpinning was not a viable proposition."

The application goes before the planning committee, in Stockton Central Library on Wednesday, at 1.30pm.