Plans for a two-bedroom apartment on a Darlington street have been lodged with the council.

The project looks to transform the loft of an office building on Eskdale Street into a self-contained flat.

Situated at the junction of Eskdale Street and Larchfield Street, the building is currently two-storeys and houses office spaces.

The area has no protected trees, designated rights of way, or high flood risk, and the building is within Darlington's urban boundary, providing good connectivity.

Proposals are aligned with several policies set out in the Darlington Local Plan, adopted in 2022.

These policies focus on matters such as sustainable development, public health, housing requirements, and transport.

Development is expected to have minimal economic impact but would provide local job opportunities during construction and support nearby businesses.

The project is also expected to have a social benefit according to planning documents, adding residential space in a convenient location close to schools, shopping, and leisure options.

According to the application, a two-bedroom apartment would contribute to Darlington's annual housing target and meet local housing mix requirements.

The proposed loft conversion will include a dormer extension designed to match the adjacent slate roofs, with materials carefully chosen to blend with the existing building's aesthetic.

The apartment will be accessed through a shared entrance lobby and will have a private staircase leading to the loft.

Its layout is designed to be functional, providing enough space for up to three occupants.

The proposed conversion and extension aim to maintain harmony with the surrounding buildings, ensuring minimal visual disruption while respecting the local character and architecture.

The building is already connected to the main sewer system, ensuring no disruption in water and waste services.

The proposed apartment will use existing waste storage and recycling facilities, consistent with the current building arrangements.