Outline planning permission is being sought to build new premises on the south side of the current Force headquarters at Ponteland, and release surplus land for residential use.

Under the plans, listed 'cottage homes' on the site would be kept and refurbished as new housing.

It is anticipated that Northumbria Police Authority will submit the application to Castle Morpeth Borough Council in September.

The new headquarters are needed because the current buildings are said to be 'not fit for purpose'.

Some offices are in the original cottage homes which were built in 1902 for the Newcastle Board of Guardians. Multi-storey blocks added in the 1960s when the site became a teacher training colleges are also described as 'obsolete'.

The Communications Centre, which was completed in 1999, is said to be the only building on site which is able to meet the technological needs of modern working.

The age and condition of most of the buildings makes them hugely expensive to maintain. It has also proved difficult to adapt them fully to meet the needs of any staff and visitors with a disability.

The 70-acre headquarters site more than meets the space needed for a new HQ building, and it means Northumbria Police can stay at Ponteland, where staff would continue to contribute to the local economy.

Apart from the cottage homes to the north of the green, which are listed buildings, all of the existing buildings apart from the new Communications centre would be demolished.

The Police Authority says the development as a whole will meet the aims and objectives of Castle Morpeth Borough Council in its adopted Local Plan and emerging core strategy. The proposals include improved foot and cycle links to Ponteland village centre, making the development sustainable for non-car users.

Coun Mick Henry chair of the Police Authority said: "We are providing the police with the best possible tools to do the job and we are confident this new development will help them work more effectively.

"It will help officers deliver a 21st Century service to the public and will mark a major step forward for Northumbria Police. It is part of an ambitious plan to develop police buildings across Northumbria to provide better support in policing our communities."

Chief Constable Mike Craik said: "My priority is to provide the best possible policing service to the people of Northumbria, a service which fulfils our commitment to having a force fit for 2020, which will build trust and confidence in local communities and reduce crime and disorder.

"To do this, we need a headquarters which is fit for 2020.

"Northumbria is a forward-thinking, innovative force. Our headquarters should reflect our position as one of the UK's top performing forces and not be housed in a variety of buildings, many of which have long been past their best for any purpose.

"I also think it's essential that we show prudent management of public money, by not continuing to spend money maintaining outdated buildings and failing to capitalise on our assets."