A COMPANY says it is still committed to building a £70m business and retail park in Darlington, even though it has been delayed by planning problems.

Last year, national development firm Miller submitted proposals for the 150-acre scheme next to the A66 ring road, near Morton Park.

It was hoped work could begin this year, but the firm says the size and complexity of the scheme has resulted in a delay.

Last night, Miller's regional director said his firm was still keen to build the business park, which could create 3,500 jobs.

"The planning application is still pending and we have been working alongside Darlington council to iron out one or two problems in the scheme," he said.

"We want to get to the point where it is acceptable to everyone, especially when you consider the effect it will have on the town centre.

"We are now close to completing the exercise and hope to obtain planning permission next year, with work starting some time later in 2001."

Originally, the developer considered providing millions of pounds towards the cost of a cross-town relief road.

It is not known whether this is still the case, but Darlington Borough Council has been told it will receive £5.5m from the Government for the eastern transport corridor.

A spokeswoman for the council said: "We are currently in discussions with Miller, and it is possible that subject to the satisfactory conclusion of the negotiations, the planning application will be considered early in 2001."

The land was brought to Miller's attention through a smaller development, and was considered ideal because it was near good roads, an airport and main line railway connections.

Before any scheme can go ahead, Miller will have to produce studies on how the development will affect roads, water and power supplies, the local ecology and town centre trade