THE remaining planning issues on a proposed new town centre for Newton Aycliffe could be finalised at a meeting in two weeks time.

The ongoing planning application for the redevelopment of the former Avenue school site was discussed at Sedgefield Borough Council offices last week.

Terry Hogan, chairman of the Newton Aycliffe town centre forum, said he was encouraged by progress.

The meeting was attended by borough council planners, developers CTP, county council highways officers and architects Faulkner Browns.

Discussions were held about how to address design concerns raised by the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (Cabe) in a recent report.

Mr Hogan said: "The meeting was very constructive, with the planners seeking to find solutions to Cabe's comments.

"Within the next two weeks Faulkner Browns are to address the design issues, while the highways department of Durham County Council are to have a constructive dialogue with bus companies regarding the public transport issues."

The £25m town centre scheme, which includes a new Tesco supermarket, has already been delayed several times.

However, Mr Hogan said: "A further meeting of the group is scheduled for two weeks time. The planners have stated that if all matters can be resolved then there is no reason why the planning application could not be put to Sedgefield Borough Council's special development committee, in March."