THE COMPANY behind plans for a new town centre foodstore has pledged to build a new health centre if its supermarket proposals are favoured by council planning chiefs.

The owners of Castle Dene Shopping Centre have submitted a planning application for the new doctor’s surgery, because the existing building will make way for a new supermarket.

The proposed foodstore at Castle Dene will fund the construction of the new health centre - and is one of four competing schemes in the area.

The other three include a Tesco on the former site of East Durham College, Peterlee, a Morrisons at the North Blunts site, Peterlee and phase two development at Dalton Park, near Murton.

Speaking on behalf of the owners of Castle Dene Shopping Centre, spokesman Gareth Edmunds said: "This is evidence of our commitment to improving Peterlee town centre.

"Not only does Peterlee need a new town centre foodstore to bring people back into the town, but this also offers a unique opportunity to deliver a brand new health centre that is fit for the 21st century"

The new health centre would be located to the south of Castle Dene Shopping Centre, next to the existing Leisure Centre.

Speaking on behalf of the current health centre and practices, Joseph Chandy said: These are exciting proposals for both local GPs and their patients.

"A new facility will allow us to continue to provide top quality care. We fully support this town centre development and the wide ranging benefits it can bring to Peterlee and the sustainability of its town centre."

Castle Dene Shopping Centre owners, Salford Estates Ltd, purchased the centre last year.

The centre owners have also submitted a planning application for a new local youth centre as part of their plans.

The four competing proposals will be considered at a planning meeting on June 7.