AMBITIOUS plans for a multi-million pound leisure and retail park on the edge of Bishop Auckland look set to be given the go ahead today.

The plans to build an eight- screen cinema, restaurants, shops and bingo hall with 1,000 parking spaces will be discussed at Wear Valley District Council's planning committee meeting.

The development, recommended for approval by planning officers, would transform industrial land at Tindale Crescent, next to where Bishop Auckland Football Club's stadium will be built.

If the project comes to fruition, DIY giants B&Q will move from Bob Hardisty Drive to open a 'new generation mini warehouse' with garden centre and builders' yard.

It has been claimed the project could create 549 long-term jobs, of which 244 would be full-time and 305 part time.

Town centre manager Derek Toon said the plans looked impressive.