PLANS to build a multi-million pound North-East college complex were approved in principle yesterday.

Councillors agreed that Darlington College of Technology could build a £33m facility in Haughton Road - subject to a satisfactory wildlife survey.

A planning meeting was told there was a "remote possibility" that the development site, a former British Rail goods yard, could be home to a protected species, the great crested newt.

If the survey finds no evidence of the newt, the authority's director of development will approve the application under delegated powers.

Planning officer Adrian Miller told the meeting that the college, due to open in August 2006, would be an "unashamedly modern building" on a flagship development in the town.

It will form part of a redevelopment by Tees Valley Regeneration of 75 acres of former railway sidings between Haughton Road and the town's main railway station. Mr Miller said the site had been earmarked for employment use but officers felt further education use was acceptable.

"The land is clearly under-used and somewhat unsightly," he said. "Clearly this is a very important educational development for the town."

College principal Sarah Farley said: "I am delighted that we have today received planning permission for our new college at Haughton Road. This means that we are on schedule to open as planned in August 2006."

Developer Charles Church has applied for permission to build 129 homes on the college site in Cleveland Avenue.