PLANS for a multi-million pound shopping and car parking complex in Darlington have been approved.

Investream Limited has been given permission to redevelop the car park to create the three-storey building.

The development will include two retail or leisure, units, 412 secure parking spaces and a park for bikes.

Most of Darlington Borough Council's planning committee were in favour of seeing the plans passed.

Plans for the project include a mainly red brick building, to fit in with the Grade II-listed Central Library nearby.

Its architecture has sparked objection from the Civic Trust and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, which said it demonstrated a lack of sensitivity with the surrounding area.

The application was approved on a majority vote and carried with it was a list of conditions, including the improvement of pedestrian facilities and street lighting.

The town has also secured a £45m scheme to develop the Queen Street shopping arcade. It will include a large department store, 25 shops, a leisure unit and 230 roof-top parking spaces.