AMBITIOUS plans to build the biggest golf course in Europe have been officially submitted to a council.

The multi-million pound development would see a historic hall near Darlington transformed into a luxury hotel and spa, with a golf course of international standards within its grounds.

In order to fund the restoration of the Grade II-listed Rockcliffe Hall, near Hurworth, Middlesbrough Football Club, which owns the estate, has applied for planning permission to build 24 luxury houses on the site.

It is hoped the 18-hole course will eclipse the Wynyard club, in Billingham, and host prestigious competitions.

There have been suggestions that the centre could host international teams during the London Olympics in 2012.

Last night, Darlington Borough Council said it would be launching a public consultation within the next few days.

However, because of the scale of the development, it had no idea when a decision would be taken on the application.

Warwick Brindle, a spokesman for Middlesbrough FC, said: "We are pleased that the full application has gone in and the process has started, and we look forward to starting work on this development."

The plans have been largely welcomed by people living nearby, as in recent years the hall has been vandalised and fallen into disrepair.

If Middlesbrough FC gets approval from the council's planning committee, work could start later this year.

The aim would be for the complex to open in early 2009.

Plans for the golf course include a green in the middle of a lake and a driving range in the centre.

The clubhouse would have a grass-covered roof and there would be a half-way house shaped like an arrow.

The hotel would include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, spa facilities, gyms, treatment rooms, conference and business facilities, bars, function rooms, a hair studio and juice bar.

There are also plans to construct a heli-pad in the grounds.

The 24 three to five-bedroomed houses would range from £250,000 to £700,000 at today's prices.

The football club will not confirm how much the development would cost, but it is thought to be about £50m.

Rockcliffe Hall was built in 1863 by Alfred Backhouse, a Quaker and head of a Darlington banking family.

During the Second World War it was used as an Army command headquarters and later bought by the Order of St John of God and operated as St Cuthbert's Hospital. Middlesbrough FC bought the estate in 1996.