DEVELOPERS behind one of the North-East's most crucial business and sporting developments have urged council chiefs to give it the go-ahead.

High Point Estates said it wanted to work closely with Darlington Borough Council to create a £6m JJB Sports Soccerdome on the outskirts of the town.

The Northern Echo revealed last week that the company had submitted plans for the development, on the site of the former Cummins Engines factory, in Yarm Road.

But it is not thought to be radically different from an application submitted last year, which was withdrawn after council officials indicated that the retail element was too large. They feared that the large edge-of-town shopping development included in the blueprint would hit town centre traders.

However, High Point still wants to provide about 60,000 sq ft of retail space, as well as a Soccerdome complex providing full-size pitches, and a fitness centre.

Spokesman Mark Warrior said: "The council are concerned about their town centre vitality and that is understandable, but there is no other use that we feel is appropriate for this building.

"It is not commercially viable and our concern is where it will be in ten, 15 or 20 years' time."

The JJB concept being promoted by High Point includes the Soccerdome at the back of the site, with a TJ Hughes superstore also in the Cummins building.

But the shopping part is in conflict with Government guidance, which discourages out-of-town retail development.

Mr Warrior said: "It may be that we have to take some pre-conditions from the council.

"We are in the process of discussions with planners about their aspirations and their concerns and are trying to come to some common ground that benefits the site."

A council spokesman said planning officers would be examining the proposals in detail next week.