Jobs hope from business park plan

The business park will create 5,000 jobs, say developers

Planning approval has been given for a massive business park in County Durham, which could bring up to 5,000 jobs to the recession-hit area.

The 540-acre Durham Green Business Park is due to be built at Bowburn, near Durham City.

Property developer David Abrahams is behind the project, which was approved on Tuesday by Durham County Council.

The park was the subject of a district auditor probe, after Lib Dem MP Chris Huhne raised planning concerns.

In 2007 Mr Huhne said he was concerned the business park was granted planning permission three years after originally being refused but the district auditor found no wrongdoing.

Profits to charity

Newcastle-based Mr Abrahams said: "It is the ideal place to put a business park and rail port.

"Businesses operating from there will have access to the country's major road and rail networks, and the county council have already put a new road in, linking the park to the former east Durham coalfield.

"The site is neighbouring the original Bowburn pit, so it is a major regeneration opportunity which will bring much needed new jobs to the area."

He said that in addition to bringing new jobs to the area, at least 10% of the park's energy needs would be met from renewable sources.

He added that any profits from the development would go to charity.