THE head of plans for a multi-million pound tourist attraction said last night a decision to grant it planning permission represents "the beginning of an extraordinary journey".

The £24m Eleven Arches project is now on target to open next year after councillors unanimously voted to approve the plans, which will see spectacular historical shows performed to an estimated 180,000 visitors a year in the shadow of the Grade One-listed Auckland Castle.

Supporters say the project could create hundreds of jobs and be worth about £9m-a-year to the local economy.

After a 90-minute debate at County Hall in Durham, members of Durham County Council’s County Planning Committee approved the application, despite a recommendation from their own officers that it be refused.

However, even after yesterday’s vote the attraction will still need to win a license before it can stage its first show, scheduled for the summer of 2016.

The Eleven Arches Trust charity, backed by multi-millionaire philanthropist Jonathan Ruffer, applied for permission to build the attraction on a 48-hectare site at Flatts Farm, a former golf course in Toronto which borders both Auckland Castle and Newton Cap Viaduct.

Inspired by the Puy du Fou project in France, organisers hope to stage an evening sound and light spectacular which celebrates 2,000 years of British history through the eyes of the North-East with both fireworks and a soundtrack.

Mr Ruffer told the committee: “I have seen first-hand in France how an area not unlike South West Durham has been literally transformed by the unifying effect of a community coming together to produce something of excellence and that seemed to be something of such value that I was prepared to throw this resource into it.”

The application has attracted widespread political support and the council received 75 letters backing the scheme.

The meeting heard there were concerns about the impact of the development on its historic setting and the “severe and unavoidable impact” on a nearby badger colony. However, residents’ main concern was the potential noise levels generated every weekend over the summer months.

Resident Kathleen Forsythe said: “This application has caused a huge divide in Bishop Auckland, mainly between those who live close to the site and those who live further away.

“The excessive noise levels will breach World Health Organisation guidelines and the timing of the shows will have the maximum impact on residents, mainly children and the elderly who will be in bed.”

Toronto resident Angela Flowers added: “This development is excessive, inappropriate and prejudicial to health. It will lead to sleep deprivation, lead to considerable stress and health impacts.”

However, local councillor Joy Allen, one of 16 local politicians who signed a letter backing the application, said: “If the Eleven Arches application goes ahead, we will enter the Champions League of tourist destinations and if we turn it down it would be like turning away the world-renowned Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

“If we trawled the world looking for a world class family attraction, we couldn’t find a better example than what we have in front of us today."

Cllr Paul Taylor added: “Bishop Auckland deserves this opportunity to progress, to fly, to become a world class centre for entertainment and I can’t deny them the opportunity to take Bishop Auckland forward”.

The decision was welcomed by Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman, who said: “This will be a unique attraction which will generate much needed employment and income for Bishop Auckland.

“During the planning process concerns have been expressed by local residents and I hope that everyone can work together to address some of those concerns.”

Anne-Isabelle Daulon, chief executive of Eleven Arches, said the decision meant the project was on target for delivery next year.

She added: “When I heard the results, all my thoughts went to all our supporters, I was so happy and relieved that the town had won this once in a lifetime opportunity for itself.

“Today is only the beginning of an extraordinary journey, one that will get all lights on Bishop Auckland and County Durham, so let the hard work and the fun begin.”