Film studio plans a step closer

Plans for a multi-million pound film studio in a former coalmining area have passed their first hurdle.

Developer Coolmore Estates wants to build a complex near Seaham along with a hotel, a lake and leisure facilities.

It is hoped the development would create more than 2,000 jobs and rival Pinewood Studios.

On Friday Easington Council in County Durham gave outline planning permission to the plan, which will be considered by the Regional Government Office.

Visual impact

The office has 28 days to consider the scheme and if approved it is hoped the fully-equipped film studio on the site will be rented out to film makers.

Objections and concerns had been raised by Hawthorn Parish Council because of the visual impact of the buildings.

The Ramblers Association and British Horse Society also objected to the potential loss of a bridleway in the area.

However, Seaham and Murton town councils, Durham County Council and One NorthEast all backed the scheme.