MORE than 500 local residents have pledged support for a multi-million-pound proposal to redevelop land in Faverdale, Darlington.

The plans would provide a new Tesco superstore and associated petrol filing station, alongside McDonald’s, Costa Coffee and a commercial unit.

The site has been vacant and derelict for more than a decade and its £16m redevelopment would create about 200 local jobs, including apprenticeship and career opportunities with reputable national employers.

A spokesperson for Almscliffe Properties (Darlington) Ltd. said: “We are delighted with the overwhelming local support for our plans with more than 78 per cent of respondents to our consultation backing the site’s redevelopment.

“It is clear that there is demand for a Tesco superstore in this part of Darlington with hundreds of people telling us they currently travel out of the area to visit one of the other ‘big four’ supermarkets.

“The area does already benefit from a discount food retailer, but our plans would bring a different offer to the local community in addition to providing a much-needed petrol station in the area.”

Site ward representatives Cllrs Durham, Mills and Preston said:“As the councillors for the Brinkburn and Faverdale Ward we were happy to meet with Almscliffe Properties to discuss these proposals.

“It was good to see how well residents have engaged with the postal consultation and that the overwhelming number of positive replies regarding this development will be passed to the planning department to be taken into account.

“We will support our resident’s views at subsequent stages of this proposal.”

Almscliffe Properties (Darlington Ltd). has submitted a planning application to Darlington Borough Council and hopes it will shortly be considered by the planning committee.

If the plans are approved, it is hoped that the store could be welcoming customers this time next year creating hundreds of jobs for local people.

To find out more about the proposals can visit the project website, www.almscliffedarlington.co.uk or call the project’s Freephone information line on 0800 298 7040.