PLANS to transform a patch of waste ground into a business park with the potential to accommodate 1,000 jobs look set to be approved.

Planning officers at Darlington Borough Council have recommended that the proposal for the former Torrington site is given permission.

The application by West Yorkshire-based Commercial Development Projects Limited is for a mixed-use development comprising of industrial units, storage and warehouse units, a public house and a 60-bed hotel.

Similar developments at the site have been refused planning permission because the council has wanted to earmark it for a prestige development.

However, the planning officers’ report into this latest proposal has said that all of the issues that affected previous applications have now been addressed.

The eight hectare site is in Yarm Road, on the edge of Darlington town centre, and has been vacant since Torrington Engineering closed in 2003.

Commercial Development Projects estimate that, when complete, the development will have potential for 1,000 jobs and there has already been significant interest from developers to use the site.

Local ward councillor Ian Haszeldine said he hoped the site would be developed soon.

He said: “I would like to see the area be brought back into use, whether it is industrial or commercial.

“It’s on one of the main gateways into the borough and that piece of land does let us down a bit.

“If it’s going to bring jobs, that would be good as well.”

In recommending approval, the planning officer’s report states that the pub and hotel part of the scheme would not normally be allowed.

However, it acknowledges that they may help enable further development at the site and also compensate for the cost of infrastructure and therefore would be acceptable.

The report adds: “The principle of the overall development is considered acceptable.

“The design of the various elements of the scheme is in keeping with the character and appearance of neighbouring prestige employment uses and respects the wider setting of the grade II*-listed buildings nearby.”

The planning committee will discuss the application at its meeting at the town hall on Wednesday, at 1.30pm.