A council has given its unanimous support for multi-million pound plans to revamp Willington town centre.

An application by Durham-based Barley Homes and Lettings for a mixed development on the demolished Kensington Hall Hotel site, in Willington, is due to go before Durham County Council next month.

Greater Willington Town Council welcomed the £5m scheme at a meeting on Tuesday despite the concerns of residents who live close-by.

The ambitious castle-style development is expected to breathe new life into the recession-hit town centre and includes a restaurant, over 20 flats, parking spaces, a children’s creche, veterinary practice and offices.

A medical centre, dental surgery and physiotherapist are also part of the plans and will “act in conjunction” with the town’s existing NHS services.

The development has met with opposition from residents in Kensington Terrace who believe it will exacerbate traffic and parking problems.

It is also feared the ailing High Street will continue to be overlooked by businesses in favour of space at the new development.

However, no-one was at the meeting to speak against the development and members of the town council had not received a petition.

Lee Carman, a director at S2 Associates, the architects working on behalf of Barley Homes, said: “The development is hoped to become a show piece development that is not only beneficial for the residents of the proposed scheme but also from the existing residents of Wear Valley who will benefit from the provision of affordable, high quality starter apartments and also more sustainable family dwellings.”

Councillor Jim Smith said the development would cause no more traffic problems than the former hotel.

“The street was always a problem when the Kensington was there,” he said.

“It catered for 200 people. I can’t sit here and say we don’t need a restaurant in Willington because we do.”

Councillor David Kingston said the development would boost the town’s infrastructure.

He said: “If you’re talking about enhancing the viability of Willington then you need something for people to come to Willington for.

“If they are working in the area they’ll spend money in the community.”