Durham Police Authority is seeking full planning permission for a new police headquarters at Aykley Heads, Durham.

At the same time, Durham County Council is also being asked to give outline planning consent for housing on the site of the present HQ.

If the go-ahead is given, it is hoped that building work will start in the autumn on what is envisaged to be an 18-month contract, with completion due in the spring of 2014. A decision on the developer will be subject to tender.

The new development is being designed with the highest 'green' credentials as well as creating a modern office environment.

The estimated total cost of the new building is approx £14m and it is expected to generate substantial annual savings in running costs.

In support and in advance of the planning consent, the proposed plans went 'on the road' around the force area in October, for the benefit of interested members of the public as well as officers and staff.

Mr Peter Thompson, Chair of Durham Police Authority, said: "This is an exciting project for the Police Authority and the Constabulary.

"We're looking forward to working with the County Council to produce a development which is both worthy of and sympathetic to the site.

"The new premises should generate substantial savings and enable the constabulary to deliver an even better policing service to the people of County Durham and Darlington."

The present HQ dates back to 1969 when the first phase was opened by former Prime Minister Jim Callaghan, who was then Secretary of State.