The Forum was opened in 1967 by the Queen

They had opposed the proposals which included demolishing Billingham's Forum Theatre as part of a major leisure, community and shopping development.

The plan has now been withdrawn after an announcement by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to give listed status to the inside of the theatre.

Stockton Council said it was still committed to regenerating the town.

The withdrawn plans involved a supermarket on the Forum site and the Gateway development in John Whitehead Park.

The application included an ice rink, swimming pool, gym, library, education and health facilities.

Stockton Council cabinet member for education, leisure and cultural services, Coun Alex Cunningham, said: "I am very disappointed that we have had to withdraw the applications.

'Absolutely delighted'

"The objectors and those responsible for seeking the listing have effectively lost the people of Billingham what I truly believe is a major opportunity."

He said they would continue to work on plans to regenerate the town centre.

Kevin Pitt, the chair of the Billingham Partnership challenged the plans' objectors to raise funds to improve the theatre and the park.

Billingham Action Team organiser Frank Crosby said: "We are absolutely delighted.

"What we want to do now, the people of Billingham, 5,000 people in Billingham, 12,000 for the Theatre, an awful lot of people have said we don't want this Gateway in the park, we don't want the Forum to move, we want it where it is.

"Yes it wants revamping, the Forum, the whole town centre. This is what Billingham Action Team is going to work to now."