Helen has warmly welcomed the announcement that the proposed £45 million shopping and leisure complex at Tindale Crescent, Bishop Auckland, can go ahead.
The proposed development – which could create up to 1,000 jobs and will include a new ground for Bishop Auckland FC as well as a cinema, bowling alley, shops and restaurants – received planning permission from Wear Valley District Council in November but was referred to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for approval.
The Secretary of State confirmed this morning that the development does not “conflict with national planning polices” and thus that “her intervention would not be justified”.
Planning approval will therefore rest with Wear Valley District Council, who have already given the development their full support.
Helen said:
“This is wonderful news for Bishop Auckland.
At a time when unemployment is rising, this development gives hope that the problems we face in our area are not long-term or structural.
It will create a large number of new jobs and will also significantly improve leisure facilities in the area.
I am particularly pleased that Bishop Auckland FC will now get the new ground they deserve, and I’m sure that local people will welcome the new cinema, bowling alley and shops.
We have all had to be patient in the last few months, but I am delighted that this development can now go ahead”.
