Work on the educational and leisure facilities in Consett will go ahead following the approval of details plans.

The new academy and leisure centre – which together form part of a £43m investment in the town – will be built on the Belle Vue site, with construction expected to start later this year.

The academy will bring unrivalled educational facilities on a single campus, offering students the chance to fulfil their potential and bringing learning opportunities to the wider community.

The new leisure centre will replace existing facilities with more modern buildings and fitness equipment.

Councillors had already given the development outline planning permission in 2010 and members of Durham County Council’s County Planning Committee today approved the detailed proposals.

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Councillor Claire Vasey, Cabinet member for children and young people’s services at Durham County Council, said: "I am absolutely delighted that this development can finally go ahead.

"It represents a significant investment in Consett that will bring major long-term benefits to the local community, and in particular to young people.

"We know that parents, students and staff are keen to see the academy brought together onto one site and I share their delight that this can now happen.

"I am confident that this development is the right thing for our young people, for the wider community and for Consett as a whole.

"There have been some objections to these proposals and I can reassure all those who raised concerns that they have been debated and discussed at great length.

"The county council has examined the feedback and all issues raised have been thoroughly considered in reaching this decision.

"I would like to urge everyone in the community to show their support for the new academy in the best interests of the pupils, parents and staff."

The approval of the detailed plans mean that work to re-locate Consett AFC to a new site at Crookhall can also now begin.

(CD)