MYSTERY buyers have launched a takeover bid at a North-East golf course as part of plans to turn it into a £13m luxury hotel, golf and leisure complex.

The company, which has not been named, aims to turn Woodham Golf Club, near Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, into a multi-million pound four-star attraction.

Stan Roberts, managing director of Woodham Golf and Country Club, said: "The deal will go ahead subject to planning permission. If it doesn't go ahead, then things will continue as they are.

"But, it could be a fabulous facility, which would put Woodham golf course on a par with the best golf courses in the country - possibly as one of the top five in the country."

The golf club has been under the management of Woodham Golf and Country Club Limited since 1982 and has about 600 members.

The sale, subject to planning permission, took place last week and an application for a 110-bedroom, four-star hotel and leisure complex is under review.

The company also plans to develop the existing 18-hole golf course, and add another nine holes

It is believed that the hotel will cost in region of £8m to build and furnish, which would to make it one of the most luxurious hotels in the North-East.

The leisure complex could cost anything up to £3m and the company will spend a further £2m on the golf course.

Mr Roberts said Woodham Golf and Country Club would continue to manage the development on behalf of the company, even though its managing director is set to retire and start a new life in Austria.

Mr Roberts, 56, who has owned the club since 1982, said: "The members know about the sale and are happy about it. They won't be affected in any way and won't face any disruption in their membership.

"They will not have to rejoin if the development goes ahead."

Developers are still in talks with Wear Valley District Council about the design of the hotel.

The site has had a chequered planning history, with several previous applications being turned down by planners.