PLANS that could transform the north of Bishop Auckland have been submitted to a council this week.

Developer Helioscity is hoping to build shop units, 85 flats and a car park in North Bondgate, with work starting this summer.

Major retailers are being lined up for the multi-million pound project, part of Wear Valley District Council's urban renaissance programme to improve the town centre.

A planning application has been submitted by the developers for 79 two-bedroomed apartments and six one-bedroomed apartments to be managed by Gentoo - increased from the original proposal of 60.

The application also includes commercial space of five units from just under 10,000sq ft to 18,000sq ft.

There will be up to 350 car parking spaces, with 85 for residents and the remainder for the retail area.

David Salkeld, development director for Helioscity, said: "This is in a prime location on North Bondgate, with fantastic views north across the Wear and highly accessible for public transport.

"The proposal has been through a thorough design strategy to deliver a scheme that complies with the local planning allocation and the Bishop Auckland renaissance plan.

"It will regenerate this part of the historic town with a vibrant development sympathetic to the past yet very much part of the town's future."

He said the design aims to reintroduce the street scene on North Bondgate and address the views from Newton Cap bridge.

He said: "We are currently finalising detailed design to deal with the escarpment on the site edge and are ready to start the marketing of the site in earnest after the lull of the holiday season.

"We anticipate being able to make a start on site towards the end of summer."

Other areas included by consultants Red Box in the renaissance programme include Theatre Corner, where a bronze statue of Stan Laurel will be erected, Market Place and Fore Bondgate.

The North Bondgate scheme will go before the council's development control committee in the coming weeks.

Bob Hope, the council's director of regeneration, said: "It's a positive sign that a development is moving forward.

"We hope to be able to decide on an application as soon as possible."

If approved, the development is expected to be completed by autumn next year.