PLANS for a new out-of-town retail park in Darlington are likely to be rejected by the Borough Council.

Grendale Developments has proposed building three modern non-food retail warehouses on the south side of Haughton Road, next to Bannatyne Health and Fitness Club.

The application will be heard by the council's planning committee next Wednesday.

A report to councillors says the site is part of the Borough Road employment area, land which is allocated for employment purposes and therefore, the proposals would be unsuitable for the area.

The report adds that the applicant has not demonstrated any need for another retail park in the town and most bulky goods are already available from retail warehouses in Darlington, and from similar centres in Middlesbrough and Stockton.

The council's local plan policy states that proposals will be permitted for out-of-town areas provided that no suitable sites are already available within or around the area.

Officers say other such sites for retail warehouse development were not taken into consideration by the applicant.

The local plan policy also states that the development should not add significantly to overall travel and car use.

But the retail park would be overwhelmingly car-orientated and would generate an increase in both.

Officers will recommend that the application is refused.