PLANS to transform a former preparatory school into retirement apartments will go on display next week.

Ortus Homes, part of retirement home developers, McCarthy and Stone, are making plans to redevelop the former Yarm at Raventhorpe School, in Carmel Road North, Darlington.

The fee-paying preparatory school closed in July last year after pupil numbers fell to unsustainable levels.

If the plans are given the go-ahead, the building could be transformed into a range of one and two-bedroom apartments for the over-55s.

The plans also include landscaped gardens, secure on-site parking and the use of sympathetic building materials to fit in with the surrounding area.

Residents are invited to view and comment on the proposals at a consultation event next week before they are submitted to Darlington Borough Council.

Steve Secker, regional managing director for McCarthy and Stone’s northern region said: “We are inviting local residents to view our early proposals and provide feedback to the development team.

“We have taken time to study the architecture and character of the local area to ensure an attractive design that sits comfortably within the site.

“Members of our project team will be on hand at the public exhibition to answer questions and listen to feedback.

“The proposals are at a very early stage and where possible we will amend our plans to reflect people’s comments.”

The event will run from 3pm to 7pm on Tuesday (November 25) at Elm Ridge Methodist Church, in Carmel Road, South.

For those who cannot attend the exhibition, more information is available by calling 0800-298-7040 or visiting mccarthyandstone-consultation.co.uk/raventhorpedarlington