Setbacks have dogged the redevelopment of the St John's Square area of Seaham, but is now moving forward after the £15million proposals were granted outline planning permission.

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It will include shops, housing, services for residents, council services, a cafe and healthcare centre, library, public open space and parking.

Planners say it will also give Seaham new venues for events and activities, with work expected to be under way by autumn next year.

Peter Coe, District of Easington Council's head of regeneration and partnerships, said: "We are extremely pleased the application for the redevelopment of St John's Square has been approved.

"This project is not only critical to the regeneration of Seaham town centre but is also another important building block in the regeneration of the town as a whole."

Other developments breathing new life into Seaham include the £18million Byron Place shopping centre, which is due to open in November, and the East Shore Village estate.

Plans include another housing development on the site of Seaham Colliery and a scheme to turn the North Dock into a £2.5million marina, with more attractions in the pipeline for the site.

The St John's Square proposals include a multi-purpose building to be constructed where the bus station stands which will house offices, social services, Connexions, East Durham Homes, a library and rooms for the community to use.

A corner cafe and apartments are expected to go near to the Volunteer Arms, with Caroline House to be replaced with housing.

The health care complex will run along Viceroy Street where the disused magistrates court is.

It could provide services such as speech therapy, a base for district nurses, mental health staff, audiology, a dentist and support for patients with ongoing conditions.

The JobCentre will remain on the site.

The plan is a partnership between County Durham Primary Care Trust, Durham County Council, Seaham Town Council and District of Easington Council.

It was the district authority's development control committee which unanimously approved the application this week.

Concerns had been raised about a right of way, disruption to businesses while work is under way and car parking, but planning officers said these had been addressed through the application.