A NEW £1m leisure attraction including the tallest rope course in the UK could soon be created on the River Tees if planning approval is granted next week.

The plan is to build the highest rope course in the country, at 17m high, along with a climbing wall and a new building by the Olympic standard watersports facility, the Tees Barrage International White Water Centre in Stockton.

The rope structure would be one of the tallest structures on the horizon and it would make Stockton the only place in the UK where thrill-seekers could take part in sports on both the river and land in the place.

It is estimated that the new attraction, run by the Stockton Borough Council-supported Tees Active, would generate a projected surplus of at least £100,000 per year whilst also significantly increasing visitor numbers to the area.

The Full Council has previously agreed to the investment on an "invest-to-save" basis but the £1m figure is only an estimate at this stage.

It will be discussed by Stockton council's planning committee on Wednesday, February 25 at 1.30pm in Stockton Central Library.

If permission is granted, the new structure would have four levels, with zip rails located at levels one and two, and there would be a 10m high climbing wall at the end. A new building would be built to contain toilets and a ticket office.

The ropes course would be a steel structure. Users would have to be secured in a safety harness at all times. It will be primarily open in the spring and summer months when it will be open for five to six hours a day, but it is also expected to be open during the winter with reduced hours.

The Environment Agency has no objection on condition that the otter population are protected.The Canal and River Trust owns the site and is discussing lease arrangements, but has no objections.

The only concern expressed from any member of the public was that traffic accessed the site via Tees Barrage Way and not Crofton Road where people live.

Stockton Council’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Leisure and Culture, Councillor Ken Dixon, said: “We already have a world-class facility in the white water course and the rope course would complement this. It would mean that Stockton could offer both wet and dry activities on one site, bringing more people into the Borough. Stockton is quickly becoming a fun and vibrant visitor destination. We know there are many physical and psychological benefits to keeping fit and active so we want all our residents to have the opportunity to access facilities and services that support them in this."