THE BATTLE to bring a multi-million pound leisure complex to the centre of Darlington was decided this week when councillors approved plans submitted by developer Terrace Hill.

The decision sank the hopes of rival developer Simons Estates, whose bid was subsequently turned down.

Terrace Hill intends to build a multiplex cinema, shops, restaurants and bars, together with a multi-storey car park, at Feethams, opposite the Arriva bus station.

The site will take over the existing council car park in Beaumont Street and the site of the former Robinson's furniture warehouse, which was burnt out last year.

The Robinson's land has proved to be the key in winning approval. Simons failed to acquire the land and it was snapped up by Terrace Hill.

The council planning committee agreed with the planning officers' recommendation that Simons' bid should be refused because it would leave a patch of land undeveloped in the middle of the proposed leisure complex.

Despite the Terrace Hill plan only covering one side of the road, it was decided that this was the better option.

Mr Jeremy Fieldsend, spokesman for Simons, said: It does seem odd to us that the reason for recommending refusal to us could equally be applied to Terrace Hill.

"The council has been consistent in asking for a comprehensive development for Feethams, which meant developing both sides of the road - preferably in a single hit. That is what we have tried to do, but we were unable to buy the Robinson's land.

"Planning consent has now been given for a scheme which merely develops one side of the road and leaves an unsightly bus station on the other side."

Mr Robert Cansick, of Terrace Hill said he was delighted with the decision which had come at the end of extensive negotiations with council planning officers.

"We are very pleased that the application has gone through and we are talking to a number of potential occupiers.

"We are planning to start on site in May or June and expect construction work to last about 16 months."