Plans to split Darlington’s historic Binns building into six separate shops in a bid to “keep options open” for the future have been approved.

The owner of the High Row building lodged the proposals back in September to split the ground floor into six individual stores with one main retail operator.

John Taylor, director of Parker Barras and agent of the owner, said the decision was made to "keep options open" for the future while it continues to work closely with House of Fraser.

He said he would “very much like” the fashion chain - which has a lease expiring in March 2026 - to stay and is of the opinion that they will remain in the town.

House of Fraser has not yet commented on the plans and has not responded to the Echo’s request for comment. It is not known whether it plans to ren

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