PLANS to redevelop a derelict strip of land along the River Tees have taken a major step forward after councillors agreed to grant outline planning permission for the North Bank Scheme.

English Partnerships had lodged the application with Stockton Borough Council for permission to create a research park, caf, pub or restaurant, car showroom and riverside promenade, between the Princess Diana Bridge and David Lloyd Centre at the Tees Barrage. There are also plans for a new footbridge across the river.

It is hoped the plans will generate significant employment opportunities in the area by creating a distinctive development. It is also hoped it will enhance the landscape of the site and provide new and improved pedestrian, cycling and public transport links to the area.

What has been proposed is only a design framework and each individual application has to go back to the council for further discussion.

Councillor Stephen Smailes, who welcomed the project as a "jewel" for the river frontage, said: "This area of land has been crying out for many years to be developed. It is, at the moment, an eyesore. The development will change the appearance of the site, but for the better.

"By granting outline planning permission we are giving developers the first green light. It is going to create a lot of employment."

The majority of the North Bank development site is derelict, having been used for industry since the 1850s, with clay quarries, iron and steel works and tipping on the site.

A garage car showroom and old industrial units occupy a small part of the site in the west, with some residential properties, a transport depot and some industrial units on the northern part of the site.

Coun Smailes said: "When you now look along the river you can see the improvements and developments. It is coming together now and I believe this is another jewel in the crown for the river frontage.

"It is an excellent scheme, and I think it will be of great beneficial use to the people of Stockton and beyond."

It is expected the development will take about five or six years to complete.