'Eco-village' inquiry ruled out

The site is the size of 500 football pitches

A public inquiry into a proposed "eco-village", which promises to create hundreds of jobs in County Durham, has been ruled out.

Durham County Council has already given outline permission for homes, a hotel, and a geothermally-heated spa at Eastgate's former Lafarge cement works.

Now the Government Office for the North East (GONE) has decided the proposals do not warrant a public inquiry.

It is hoped initial construction work on the project could begin in 2011.

The Weardale Task Force (WTF), which is behind the scheme, has said the plans would see around 150 new jobs created from business investment and a further 200 jobs within the visitor and hospitality sector.

'Significant benefits'

The site, which will cover an area equivalent to the size of 500 football pitches, is set to feature all five forms of land-based renewable energy available in the UK - hydro, solar, wind, biomass and geothermal.

Welcoming GONE's decision, WTF chairman John Hamilton said: "This will mean we can move into delivery at the earliest opportunity.

"This decision endorses the professional and thorough job the team has done to date and the significant economic benefits the scheme could bring to Weardale."

Neil Foster, Durham County Council's portfolio holder for economic regeneration, added: "This is fantastic news for the regeneration of a vital part of our county.

"The scheme will have a real and tangible impact on the local area with the creation of jobs and first class business facilities."

The application attracted 112 objections, including concerns about traffic noise and the impact on the environment.