Affordable housing plan for former Salvation Army hostel site (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Affordable housing plan for former Salvation Army hostel site

11:58am Wednesday 20th February 2013 in News

A FORMER Salvation Army hostel is to be demolished to make way for affordable housing in the centre of Darlington.

A three storey block of 26 flats will be built on the site of the hostel, in Coburg Street, next to Tom Raine Court, which will be let at affordable social rents by the Salvation Army Housing Association.

Planning officers acting under delegated powers at Darlington Borough Council gave planning permission for the scheme after hearing that there were no objections from nearby residents.

The hostel previously catered for single people using shared facilities but closed in June 2010 and has since stood empty.

The new plans also including improved landscaping and car parking around the building, while the design of the flats are described as ‘contemporary but not totally at odds with the context of the local built environment’.

A report prepared by planning officers said: “Over the years expectations have changed regarding accommodation needs and the most cost effective way forward is now seen as demolishing the existing property and replacing it with a three storey building.

“Overall it is considered that the proposed development will have positive impacts on both local residents and the locality in general as well as providing for an identified housing need in Darlington.”