Development can go ahead without Government intervention (From The Northern Echo)

Development can go ahead without Government intervention

12:18pm Tuesday 17th March 2009

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FOOTBALL supporters have plenty to celebrate today with news that one of the country's most famous amateur club's can build its long-awaited new ground.

Bishop Auckland FC had feared that planning delays could jeopardise plans for their new stadium at Tindale Crescent, where developers Terrace Hill are also building a cinema, bowling alley, shops and restaurants.

This morning Baroness Kay Andrews, secretary of state for communities and local government, told planning authority Wear Valley District Council that she was not 'calling in' the development because it did not conflict with national planning policies and her intervention would not be justified.

The £45m shopping and leisure park could create up to 1,000 jobs on a derelict factory site.

Club chairman Terry Jackson said this afternoon: "This is incredibly good news. The club is very, very pleased both for ourselves and the local community.

"It is absolutely fantastic that it is going to happen after all this time."

Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman said: "This is wonderful news for Bishop Auckland.

"At a time when unemployment is rising, this development gives hope that the problems we face in our area are not long-term or structural.

"It will create a large number of new jobs and will also significantly improve leisure facilities in the area.

"I am particularly pleased that Bishop Auckland Town FC will now get the new ground they deserve, and I'm sure that local people will welcome the new cinema, bowling alley and shops.

"We have all had to be patient in the last few months, but I am delighted that this development can now go ahead."

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