PLANS to demolish a Thirties art deco house in Eaglescliffe and replace it with three detached houses have been approved.

Developers can now start work on demolishing The Rookery, in South View.

Members of Stockton Borough Council's planning committee voted 13 to one in favour of the application at a meeting yesterday.

Permission had already been granted for 13 apartments, but owing to the economic climate the new application was submitted.

Councillors agreed with planning officers' recommendations that the three houses with detached garages were a better option.

The Rookery is within an area of land known as the Hole of Paradise.

It is bounded on three sides by Urlay Nook Road, Yarm Road and South View, and forms part of the Egglescliffe conservation area.

It is believed The Rookery belonged to a sea captain and was built to look like the bridge of a ship.

Campaigners have been battling for years to stop The Rookery being demolished but have recently become resigned to it being redeveloped.

The council's planning officers told members that although the new development would result in the loss of a historic building, the replacement houses would reflect the architectural style of the existing building.

Eight objections had been submitted, with complaints including the demolition of a historic building, parking problems and traffic congestion.

Councillor Jim Beall said: "I would rather see three houses than a load of flats. I support this application."

Stockton Borough Council dealt with a number other planning applications at the meeting: Plans to transform a former neighbourhood housing office, in Redcar Road, Thornaby, into a children's home have been approved; Two new non-illuminated signs for Aldi, in Healaugh Park, Yarm, have also been given the go-ahead; Development of 48 retirement apartments in Blair Avenue, Ingleby Barwick, has been refused.