A PROPOSED retail park will not only create jobs, but bring shoppers back to Dormanstown.

Plans to build a DIY store plus four other retail units and a 287-space car park have been agreed by Redcar and District Council.

The development will also include a garden centre on the Limerick Road site.

However, plans for the proposal must now go to the Government Office for the North East (Gone) to be reviewed.

A report to the council's planning committee predicted that the scheme would bring back 60 per cent of trade the town has lost over the years, by reducing the need for shoppers to use other retail parks across the borough.

"The development would provide jobs on an industrial site which has been vacant for a number of years," it said.

"Preference will be given to local residents wherever possible. On balance, it is considered that there is a need for the development.

"It is considered the development will not have an unacceptable effect on existing settlements, and could reduce travel distances for local residents."

Councillors approved the scheme in principle, but it still needs the final stamp of approval from Gone.

The DIY store is to be 3,110sq metres and the four retail units 700sq metres each.

Ward councillor Cliff Houlding said: "This is absolutely wonderful. We have been chasing this for two-and-a-half years. It will give people in the area the opportunity to be able to shop here, rather than go to other areas.

"Also, it will bring in much-needed jobs in an area of high unemployment.

"The company has made a statement it will employ as many local people as possible."

He added: "Most people have cars now and can travel a distance, but this should enable people to shop here, not just from Dormanstown, but from the immediate areas.

"It will also offer part-time jobs, which are going to help young people, particularly those who have children."

Ward councillor Vilma Collins said: "I am sure it will be an asset for Dormanstown. It is going to bring jobs, which is what we need, the services and obviously people won't have to travel so far.

"It is something much needed for Dormanstown and can only be a good thing."