Planning permission has also been granted to turn the site of the force’s former home into a residential site containing 227 properties.

The new headquarters will cost almost £15m to build  and will be substantially funded by the proceeds of the sale of the former building.

It will cover more than 5,600 square metres over three floors and is expected to be operational from spring 2014.

Bidders in line for the job include Bam, Miller, Kier, Graham and Henry Brothers according to construction tendering specialist Glenigan.

Peter Thompson, Durham Police Authority Chairman, said: “I am very pleased that the County Council has granted planning permission for the new headquarters and residential housing.

“The new building will be more efficient to run and is expected to save £750,000 per year and will be energy efficient unlike the current headquarters building.

“These savings will help us maintain an effective policing service to the people of County Durham and Darlington.

“In relation to house building on the existing headquarters site, this will also give a welcome boost to the construction industry and local economy. We expect the sale of the land to be used to fund the new headquarters.”