PLANNERS have given the go-ahead to a new £10 million retail park to be built by Ilkley-based developer Opus North.

The 42,000 sq ft Darlington North Retail Park will create 150 jobs and be open by spring 2016. Occupiers already signed up include Aldi and Iceland.

Neil Creeney, associate director of Opus North, said: “This is a very exciting development for the town of Darlington, creating jobs and boosting the economy.

“We have had excellent feedback from local residents and businesses and we were grateful to know they were positive about our proposals, as were the planners. The retail park will bring a range of retailers not currently located in this part of town, improving choice and convenience for local shoppers.”

Located at a new junction on the A167, close to a Morrisons store.