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Five star Rockliffe Hall given go-ahead by planners

Darlington Borough Council planners have given the green light to the region’s newest five star hotel, golf and luxury spa project.

It means work can start on turning the site of the disused 19th Century Rockliffe Hall in Hurworth, near Darlington, into a complex that will be one of the most high-class spa and golf destinations in the UK.

Warwick Brindle, spokesman for Rockliffe Hall Ltd, the company overseeing the development, says he is naturally thrilled with the news from the council.

He added: “We have worked side by side with the council planning committee and local residents over many, many months on ensuring our plans and proposals met with every element of their requirements. Despite that, it’s still a huge relief to receive conditional planning permission”.

“The cooperation between Rockliffe Hall Ltd and Darlington Borough Council has remained close and honest throughout and the completed complex will be a triumph for the region something everyone will be very proud of.”

Members of the planning committee commented on the ‘excellent development’ and also praised the quality of the overall application.

Warwick Brindle said he now hopes work will start as soon as possible, most likely early in the New Year, once Rockliffe Hall Ltd satisfy some minor pre-conditions attached to the approval. The development of the 375-acre site is expected to be complete for opening in mid 2009.

The disused hall is central to the development and will be sympathetically restored as part of the plans to house 63 luxurious and contemporary bedrooms, including 18 luxury apartments. Also included will be a luxury spa complex and three quality restaurants with private dining. A residential housing development, consisting of 24 new homes, will also form a part of the new site.

Warwick Brindle added: “This is a development the region has needed for some time and one we confidently predict will put this part of the world firmly on the map as one of the best short break destinations in the UK.”

The championship golf course is the jewel in the crown of Rockliffe Hall and ‘ at almost 7,800 yards ‘ will become the longest championship course in Europe. It is expected to attract golf lovers from across the globe.

“It has been vitally important for us to answer as many questions as we possibly could from local residents and Darlington Borough Council. Our plans have been adapted and amended throughout the process to satisfy any of their concerns and we will maintain our strong working relationship with them to satisfy the remaining pre-conditions.” added Mr Brindle.

It is expected up to 500 jobs will be created in constructing and ultimately staffing the new development.

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