PLANS for a multi-million pound development in Newton Aycliffe town centre have finally been submitted, after months of delays.

Planning officials at Sedgefield Borough Council will discuss the proposals for a £25m extension to the town centre today.

The ambitious development, on the site of the former Avenue Comprehensive School, includes a Tesco supermarket, several other shops, leisure facilities, a town square, and a new library, health centre and youth centre.

Numerous hurdles have had to be overcome before the detailed plans for what has been described as "a once-in-a-generation opportunity" could be submitted.

One of the main stumbling blocks has been the project's integration with the existing town centre, which has a number of run-down buildings.

A report to the council says: "It is fundamental to the success of the scheme that the new development is perceived as a logical extension to the existing centre, to help bolster its economic fortunes, and not as a separate stand-alone entity."

Pivotal to the scheme is the demolition of a block of properties belonging to the owners of the town centre. That might have to be achieved by the council issuing a compulsory purchase order.

Another concern was the design of the Tesco store, which planning officers initially described as "functional and relatively plain". An enhanced design has answered that criticism.

There were concerns that a proposed bus route to run right through the development would effectively divide the new town centre in two. The route has been removed from the project and bus stops placed at either end of the site.

Planning officers say the development would add an "attractive, modern town centre extension to boost the vitality and viability of the whole of the town centre at Newton Aycliffe".

If council members approve the application today the development, which is expected to increase town centre turnover by more than £50m, should take 16 months to complete.

PLANS FOR THE TOWN CENTRE

* A Tesco store at the north end of the scheme.

* A pedestrianised civic space, called the Circus, at the centre of the project.

* Retail units on two pedestrianised streets leading from the Circus.

* A car park associated with the Tesco store, incorporating a petrol filling station.

* A link road from Greenwell Road to Burn Lane with a bus-only route.

* Bus stops on the new road opposite the pedestrian route.

* Replacements for The Cubby elderly people's drop-in centre, the library and health centre.

*A park with sports pitches.

* A replacement youth centre in the park.