PLANS for a hotel and leisure complex on the site of a disused quarry have moved a step closer after more than ten years of delays.

There have been a number of applications to develop the former Church Quarry site, near Aycliffe Village, since 1993, but none has got off the ground.

The most recent to be approved was in February 2000 and took the form of an outline proposal for a hotel and conference centre with leisure and recreation facilities.

Members of Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee met last Friday to discuss an application for the siting of the building, its design and landscaping. The development would be built into the side of the quarry to maximise views, which planning officials said was the most suitable location.

The three-storey building would include 42 bedrooms with individual patios.

Leisure facilities would include a gymnasium and aerobics room. The development would also feature function rooms, a bar and restaurant and children's play area.

An ornamental pond would form a central feature at the front of the hotel, surrounded by a large lawn with seating.

Planning office Charlie Walton said: "Whilst the design of the hotel complex may not be original or innovative, it is considered that it has been well designed.

"It incorporates fundamental architectural values of good proportion and scale, has a distinctive appearance and utilises the change in levels to good effect."

Committee members raised concerns about traffic entering and exiting the hotel on to the A167.

Councillor John Moran suggested a 30mph traffic speed limit, which is in force in Aycliffe Village could be extended to the entrance of the complex.

Mr Walton said matters relating to the road had already been discussed at the previous meeting, when the application was approved. He said the highways agency had not objected.

The application was approved, but members insisted they would continue to raise concerns about traffic issues.