A NEW planning application has been submitted which could see a new supermarket, petrol station and restaurants in Darlington.

Almscliffe Properties Darlington Ltd, has submitted plans to redevelop brownfield land in the Faverdale area of town.

The new application proposes the town’s first Tesco 24 hour 40,000 sq superstore, along with a associated pay-at-pump petrol filling station

The supermarket would also come with 256 car parking spaces, including five electric vehicle charging spaces, 14 disabled and 10 parent and child bays.

Alongside this, further investment will include a drive-thru McDonald’s restaurant, Costa Coffee shop and modern commercial unit built on the site.

Almscliffe has described the proposal as being of “a high-quality design, which offers a contemporary shopping experience with attractive landscaping incorporated throughout the site to enhance its appearance”.

The proposals will see the land, which has been vacant and derelict for over a decade and is currently occupied by a single office, transformed through its proposed £16m investment.

The company said that the development will create hundreds of new local jobs from national employers.

Further employment opportunities would be created during construction and through the supply chain.

Tesco will offer apprenticeships as well as full and part time job positions, whilst McDonald’s has also offered career opportunities.

A spokesperson for Almscliffe Properties Darlington said: “We are delighted to announce our plans to open Tesco’s first Superstore in Darlington.

“These proposals come at a time when investment and job creation is more important than ever and we’re proud to have secured the interest of reputable international brands including Tesco, McDonalds and Costa Coffee.

“The store would bring one of the ‘big four’ supermarkets to this area of Darlington, complementing the existing retail provision and reducing the need for people to travel to complete a full shop."

The spokesman added: “We really want to hear the views of local people and I’d urge everyone to get in touch with us and provide feedback on the plans.”

The property developer has asked to hear the opinions of the local community regarding the proposals and has encouraged people to complete an online feedback form which can be found at www.almscliffedarlington.co.uk.

Locals are asked whether they support the proposal in principle, and they can express what they like or dislike about the proposal

In addition to completing the online feedback form on the project website, people can also provide their feedback by contacting the information line number on 0800-298-7040.