NINE flats are expected to be the final piece in the development of Hartlepool Marina if councillors accept amended plans for the site.

Mandale Properties has already built more than 300 apartments, more than 200sq ft of standard retail and 100sq ft of specialist shops, plus 60sq ft of luxury offices on the site.

Now, after original plans for the final area, next to the yacht club, were turned down by Hartlepool Borough Council, the company has submitted scaled-down proposals.

Director Joe Darragh believes the new scheme, for nine luxury one and two-bed apartments, will meet the objections raised about over-development of the site and nuisance the flats' residents might suffer from the club.

"We have resubmitted it to accommodate what they didn't like, so we don't see any reason why they won't give development permission," said Mr Darragh.

"We've actually accommodated every aspect of life there, houses, shopping, leisure, the lot. This is just the final piece of the jigsaw, which needs finishing off."

The new plans are expected to go before the council's development panel in November.