Hopes that up to 800 new jobs could be created have been sparked after a development next to a new Amazon logistics centre were approved.
Landowners Durham Cathedral and developers Tritax Symmetry have put forward the scheme at Morton Park, in Darlington.
A number of scenarios are envisaged for the site under outline planning permission granted by Darlington Council. It is estimated that the development will be worth around £30m and create between 700 and 800 jobs.
Potential developments on the site include 630,000 sq ft (58,500 sqm) of commercial and logistics space, along with associated developments including a hotel, family pub, drive-thru restaurants, cafés and petrol station.
Planners Lichfields put forward two possible scenarios to the council indicating the potential for the 14.7 hectare (36.2 acre) site.
It estimates the development value will be in the range of £30m, and between 715 and 800 jobs would be created once completed.
Lichfields’ senior planner Dominic Holding said: “The site is in an excellent location next to the A66; it is likely to prove attractive to potential operators and will enhance the on-going, adjacent, developments.
“This is a key approval for the town and wider area, which could help create hundreds of new jobs and provide a major boost to the economy.”
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It is estimated that around 140 construction jobs would be created during the two-year build and the scheme would deliver a £15m GVA boost to the regional economy.
The exact nature of the proposed scheme will be determined at a later date, and a more detailed, reserved matters application will then be submitted to the council.
Mr Holding added: “Whilst operators have yet to be confirmed, the indicative layout plan shows the development of two restaurants with drive-through facilities, as well as family pub, all of which are likely to be occupied by national food and beverage chains.
“They would serve employees at, and visitors to, the various storage and distribution warehouses currently proposed - and already approved - at Morton Park, along with other developments on the eastern side of Darlington.”