CONTROVERSIAL plans to regenerate a North-East town centre -resulting in the loss of a leisure complex and theatre - have been withdrawn.

Uncertainty hangs over the future of leisure, community and shopping facilities in Billingham, Teesside, after a decision to withdraw the planning applications for a supermarket on the Forum theatre site and the Gateway complex in John Whitehead Park.

The planning applications for an Olympic-class ice rink, a new swimming pool, gym, library, education and health facilities, as well as the supermarket, were submitted after a survey found that residents backed plans to build on part of John Whitehead Park and demolish the Forum.

The decision to withdraw the applications was taken after councillors considered an announcement by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to list the inside of the Forum, something they had refused to do on three earlier occasions.

The decision, coupled with delays caused by objections to parts of the plans, makes any prospect of delivering the new vision remote.

Councillor Alex Cunningham, Stockton Borough Council's cabinet member for education, leisure and cultural services, said: "We are continuing to work with a property developer to explore the options for enhancing the retail and commercial prospects of the town, but they are not likely to include the leisure, learning, health and cultural facilities envisaged for the original scheme at this time.

"I am very disappointed that we have had to withdraw the applications.

"The objectors and those responsible for seeking the listing have effectively lost the people of Billingham what I truly believe is a major opportunity."

Kevin Pitt, chairman of the Billingham Partnership, said: "This is a real blow for the regeneration plans for Billingham."

English Heritage, which advises the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, has not revealed who applied for the theatre to be listed.