Pledge over redevelopment plans

Gateshead already boasts the sage music centre

A five-year plan to reshape Gateshead will not be implemented without the full backing of the community, council bosses have pledged.

Gateshead Council says the plan could lead to a major increase in house building and dozens of new businesses.

The plan includes 330 new homes for Chopwell and 250 at Kibblesworth, with further developments for Stella, Swalwell and Birtley.

But council leaders have issued a promise that public support is vital.

The plan - called a Replacement Unitary Development Plan (UDP) - contains a range of proposals which will guide the way land in Gateshead is used and developed.

A Gateshead Council spokesman said: "This plan embodies our current thinking on how we see Gateshead developing during the remainder of the decade.

"Because it affects almost everyone who lives or works in the borough, we want to be sure that everyone has a chance to voice their opinions.

"Anyone who has an interest in the way Gateshead is to develop over the next five years should get along to Gateshead Civic Centre or their local library before 16 August and take a look at our plan."