THE developer of a marina has been forced to reconsider plans for a supermarket, garden centre, flats and a tall ships centre.

Mandale Properties, of Stockton, has withdrawn its plans for Hartlepool Marina, which had been put before Tees Valley Joint Strategy Unit, which oversees economic development of the area.

After criticism and a recommendation by Hartlepool planners that the proposals be rejected, the plan was withdrawn for alterations.

The council and strategy unit both considered the tall ships centre, which would maintain and restore large sail-training ships, was in the wrong place. The supermarket site was criticised for overshadowing the ships centre.

Mandale has outline planning permission for the schemes, but needs final approval before building can begin.

The borough council consults with the regional Tees Valley body on major plans before coming to a final decision.

The marina is being transformed into a centre for shopping and leisure, with new cinema, sailing clubs, flats, shops, warehouse shopping, pubs, restaurants and a bingo hall.

Mandale Properties was unavailable for comment yesterday.