Multi-million pound plans that will create one of Britain's most luxurious hotels and make Wynyard one of the most exclusive golf destinations in the country have been unveiled.

The £15m project is at the heart of plans by the Wynyard Club to make its course, near Teesside, one of the best in the country.

The new complex will be built adjacent to the existing clubhouse which it is hoped could be redeveloped to house community services, such as a medical and dentist centre.

Officials believe the 53-bedroom four star venue will help Wynyard compete directly with the De Vere Slaley Hall complex which has hosted the European Open Golf Championship in recent times.

If it gets the go-ahead the development will include a high quality restuarant, health club, pool, tennis courst and even a full-size football pitch. The Wynyard Club recently clinched one of Europe's top golfing events, the Seve Trophy.

Club Managing Director Gary Munro said: "This new development - including a high-quality restaurant, fully-equipped health club, gym, spa, 25 metre swimming pool, squash and tennis courts, full-sized and five-aside football pitches and a day care and crche service - could make a tremendous difference to the quality of life for local residents, putting some of the heart and soul into Wynyard which it perhaps lacks at present.

"We also want to talk with local people about the possible future uses for the existing clubhouse building, including, for example, using to provide locals health services.

"At the same time we feel that a 53-bedroom four-star hotel, built to the highest standards reflect the Wynyard philosophy, and offering state-of-the-art business and conferencing facilities, would enhance the image of the area and contribute to the economic success of the whole of the Tees Valley, including the growth of the tourism market."

The Club is now embarking on a major consultation exercise, including a survey of all local residents which will be a major factor in shaping final plans for the development.

Dependent on planning permission being obtained, the Club hopes that work on the hotel, could begin towards the end of next year, shortly after the Seve Trophy is staged at the course.

"Wynyard is all about quality. That is clearly demonstrated in the superb housing developments in the area and we have been anxious to reflect the same high standards with the golf club,2 said Mr Munro.

"At the same time we believe there is recognition that at present it lacks the range of facilities which both residents and visitors would expect in a development of this quality. We have tried to remedy that in a limited way - for example by enabling the clubhouse to be used as a crche for local children but we believe there is a real opportunity to do much more."

An exhibition has also been set up in the clubhouse and we holding a 'residents' forum' at 7.00pm on Wednesday, December 8th, to discuss the outcome of the consultation process and answer any questions people may want to raise.