A DEVELOPER has expressed delight after its multi-million pound proposed revamp of a Weston shopping centre was given full support by planning watchdogs.

Councillors on North Somerset Council’s west area committee unanimously voted to approve McLaren Life’s plans to demolish Dolphin Square and build a �35million mixed retail and leisure complex.

Speaking after the approval company director Steve Berry said: “I’m absolutely delighted, Dolphin Square had been a long time coming.”

McLaren Life’s plans include creating a Premier Inn hotel on the Beach Road car park and developing Carlton Street car park into a 327-space three-storey structure.

Following a report from senior officers recommending approval, councillors gave the planning application the green light tonight (Thur).

Mr Berry added: “Together with the whole of the council we have been able to progress this through in a short space of time which is great for Weston, this will bring the town into the 21st century.”

The decision comes just days after family restaurant chains Nandos, Prezzo and Harvester joined the line of operators set to open in the scheme.

Anytime Fitness and First Bowl also agreed to join cinema operator Vue at the proposed mixed retail and leisure centre, which will have up to 25 units.

For more on the decision and a report on the councillors’ debate, pick up a copy of next week’s Weston Mercury.