THE biggest golf course in the UK could be built in the North-East in a £50m development that could create up to 250 jobs.

Plans to build the course in Hurworth Place, near Darlington, are expected to be unveiled by Middlesbrough Football Club in the coming months, after it bought 400 acres of farmland next to its training ground.

A 64-bedroom hotel, banqueting suite and leisure spa complex are also included in the proposals, with racquet and equestrian centres also planned.

Last night, indications were that the development would be welcomed.

Although Middlesbrough FC would not comment on the plans, a source at the club promised the course and golfing facilities would be the "last word" in the sport.

It would also be the longest course in the country, eclipsing the 7,100-yard Wynyard course, which recently staged the Seve Trophy and played host to some of the top players in the game.

The development would be on the site of Rockcliffe Hall, a grade II-listed building, derelict since the football club bought the estate from the Order of St John of God, in 1996.

The club's training ground is on part of the proposed development site, which lies in a bend of the River Tees, south of Hurworth Place.

Although Darlington Borough Council last night confirmed that no official planning application had been received, it is understood that discussions between the council and Middlesbrough FC have been going on for some time.

The club received permission in 2000 to convert the hall into a hotel, but did not go ahead with the work.

The application will expire shortly, and it is believed another application will be made before the end of the year.

Council officials told The Northern Echo they would welcome an approach from the football club.

Councillor John Williams, leader of the council, said: "Any top-class leisure facilities are welcome in the town but, clearly, any plans have to go through the appropriate planning processes."

Councillor Peter Foster, who represents the Hurworth ward, said he would like to see it go ahead.

"I would prefer to see a golf course built on the farmland rather than a housing estate, because it would leave the area open," he said.