PLANNERS are advising councillors to reject proposals that would create almost 500 jobs in the North-East because it could affect neighbouring town centres.

An application to expand Dalton Park complex, in Murton, near Peterlee, County Durham, includes the creation of a fivescreen cinema, hotel, pub, food store, a drive-through restaurant and a petrol station.

The development is expected to add £13.5m to the local economy, as well as more than 100 construction jobs and more than £2.5m of private sector investment in the local road network.

But planning officials fear it will affect nearby local economies.

Case officer Barry Gavillet said: “The consequences of this are the very real possibility of business closures within town centres and subsequently jobs being put at significant risk.

“There is also the risk of failing town centres within east Durham and the undermining of town centre regeneration objectives and recent successful regeneration projects, particularly within Seaham.

“Any future investment within Peterlee and Seaham may also be put at risk by the reduction in available spend in these centres.”

The existing 55-acre site, which opened in 2003, is home to about 70 shops and employs about 500 people.

Councillors could overrule the planners, but the matter would have to be referred to the Secretary of State.

The plans will be considered along with three other competing proposals at a planning meeting at County Hall, in Durham City, at 2pm on June 7.

Tesco’s plan for a store on the former East Durham College site, on the corner of Burnhope Way and Essington Way, has been recommended for approval.

The owner of Castle Dene Shopping Centre, in Peterlee, has an application for a proposed food store, which also has the backing of planners.

Officers are urging committee members to reject Morrisons’ plan for a store on the site of the former North Blunts Primary School. Case officer Grant Folley said: “The site is situated outside the established town centre of Peterlee.”

He said other sites existed that were more appropriate for such a development.