A HIGH quality business park and hotel on the outskirts of Darlington could create as many as 2,000 jobs.

The forecast has been made by development agency One North-East, which has plans to make it a "jewel in the crown" for the whole of the Tees Valley.

The outline application for the development has been lodged with the borough council, which owns the land on Morton Palms next to the A66 and Yarm Road.

Mr Adrian Miller, planning officer, said the 28-acre scheme would be opposite MacDonald's in Yarm Road and backed on to land at the rear of the Cummins' building.

One North-East would need to construct an access road, with a series of development pods either side of it, through the estate.

"They are looking for headquarter-style buildings or call centres," he stated. "Obviously there will have to be a traffic impact assessment, but we are promoting a sustainable development to reduce the amount of car parking."

In addition a drainage strategy would have to be drawn up for the site. Neasham Parish Council has blamed surface water from earlier developments - such as Morrison's Morton Palms superstore - for the flooding of Kent Beck.

"We do consult with the Environment Agency and Northumbrian Water and will be taking their views into account," said Mr Miller.

He said the application had been submitted with background information on the wildlife in the area.

Mr Jonathan Blackie, One North-East's director of strategy and external affairs, told the D&S Times: "This really is a prime site, only five minutes' drive from the railway station in Darlington and Teesside international airport.

"The proposed development is an employment park, but specifically we are looking to attract headquarters of companies, rather than local branch offices.

"Backed by leisure facilities, such as a hotel, the site will be attractive to investors, a prestigious location to work in and generally a real boost to the economy of Darlington.

"We expect about 2,000 jobs to be created as a direct result of investment at Morton Palms, making it not only beneficial to Darlington, but a jewel in the crown for Tees Valley.