"Tantamount to Vandalism" says Swainston

10.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 12th Apr 2008

Councillors Malcolm Dunstone and Martin Swainston at the entrance to Croft House House

Cllr Martin Swainston's opposition to the plans to demolish Croft House in Hurworth Place are quoted in the Northern Echo. The paper says, "Councillor Martin Swainston has pledged to object strongly to proposals to demolish Croft House in Tess Way, Hurworth Place and build a housing estate.

"Planning permission to convert the Victorian house into flats and build 13 terraced cottages was given last year, despite opposition from residents. Now, Hartlepool based Yuill Homes has submitted plans for the demolition of Croft House to build three, five bedroom detached houses and 16 four bedroom terraced houses on the site.

"The original plans had been opposed by a number of residents as well as Councillor Swainston, Hurworth and Croft Parish Councils.

" Councillor Swainston said concerned residents from both Croft and Hurworth had already contacted him and fellow ward councillor Malcolm Dunstone about the proposals. "I will be opposing this very strongly," he said. It was disappointing when outline planning permission was given for the development of Croft House and gardens, but now to talk about demolishing it means the goal posts have totally moved."

"He said the proposed development was just metres away from historic monument Croft Bridge and on a flood plain.

"We are talking about the development of a very sensitive area - we have got the potential for flooding and we have the historical element - a change to a very substantial area which has looked the same way for a very long time.

"It is the worst sort of development you can have. It is tantamount to vandalism of the rural area."