PLANS for a £14m retail development at the site of a transport depot have been announced.

Developers Premcor Estates Ltd is planning the scheme on land used by Elddis Transport, off Old Pit Lane, near the Arnison Centre, in Pity Me, Durham.

The proposed development is for three new retail outlets, including a discount food store and two drive-thru restaurants/coffee shops, which the company says could create about 100 jobs.

Daniel Gregg, senior planner for Lichfields, which has been appointed to handle the planning application, said: "The various retail and leisure proposals could help to create almost 100 new full-time positions.

“Occupiers are yet to be confirmed for the proposed retail and food and beverage units, but we expect them to be new arrivals to this side of Durham city."

The Northern Echo:

The site off Old Pit Lane is used by Elddis Transport

The proposed retail units also include another food store and a non-food shop, possibly a DIY store or one selling household goods, with a garden centre.

The company is due to hold a consultation event for the project on Tuesday, July 16.

It takes place at Newton Hall Community Centre, in Abbey Road, between 3pm and 7pm.

Mr Gregg added: "The developers are keen to hear the views of the people living and working nearby on the proposals, and we hope the consultation event will help achieve that.”

The site is no longer suitable for the requirements of Consett-based Elddis Transport, which has six other locations in the region and employs more than 320 people.

While the site is also home to a small number of other businesses, employing about 20-25 people, they are all expected to find alternative accommodation in the local area.

Mr Gregg said the existing warehousing to the rear of the site is not sustainable and is unlikely to attract interest from other potential occupiers, due to its low eaves.

The developers are proposing an improvement to the access for pedestrians and vehicles, with around 270 parking spaces and additional landscaping.