MULTI-MILLION pound plans to create one of Britain's most luxurious hotels and one of the most exclusive golf destinations in the country have been unveiled.

The £15m project is at the centre of plans by the Wynyard Club to make its course, near Teesside, one of the best in the country.

The complex will be built next to the clubhouse, which it is hoped could be redeveloped to house community services such as a medical and dentist centre.

Officials believe the 53-bedroom four-star venue will help Wynyard compete with the De Vere Slaley Hall complex in Northumberland, which has hosted the European Open Golf Championship.

If it gets the go-ahead, the development will include a restuarant, health club, pool, tennis court and a full-sized football pitch.

The Wynyard Club recently clinched one of Europe's golfing events, the Seve Trophy.

Club managing director Gary Munro said: "This new development, including a high-quality restaurant, fully-equipped health club, gym, spa, 25-metre swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, full-sized and five-aside football pitches and a day care and crche service, could make a tremendous difference to the quality of life for local residents, putting some of the heart and soul into Wynyard, which it perhaps lacks at present.

"We also want to talk with local people about the possible future uses for the existing clubhouse building, including, for example, using it to provide local health services.

"At the same time, we feel that a 53-bedroom four-star hotel, built to the highest standards, reflects the Wynyard philosophy, and offering state-of-the-art business and conferencing facilities, would enhance the image of the area and contribute to the economic success of the whole of the Tees Valley, including the growth of the tourism market."

The club is now embarking on consultation, including a survey of residents, which will be a leading factor in shaping plans for the development.

Dependent on planning permission being obtained, the club hopes work on the hotel could begin towards the end of next year, shortly after the Seve Trophy is staged at the course.

Mr Munro said: "Wynyard is all about quality. That is clearly demonstrated in the superb housing developments in the area, and we have been anxious to reflect the same high standards with the golf club.

"At the same time, we believe there is recognition that at present, it lacks the range of facilities which both residents and visitors would expect in a develop ment of this quality.

"We have tried to remedy that in a limited way, for example by enabling the clubhouse to be used as a crche for local children, but we believe there is a real opportunity to do much more."

An exhibition on the plans has been set up in the clubhouse, and a residents' forum will be held at 7pm on Wednesday, December 8, to discuss the outcome of the consultation and answer questions.