Plan promises new homes and jobs

The need for new housing was expressed in a consultation process

Plans for thousands of new jobs and homes across the north-east of England have been unveiled.

The Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS) aims to build 128,000 homes by 2021 and create up to 73,000 jobs by 2016.

Land for new business has been reserved at "key employment locations" including Cramlington, Newcastle, Sedgefield, Darlington and Hartlepool.

The Department of Communities and Local Government proposals also address transport and environmental issues.

Nick Brown, Minister for the North East, said: "The people of the North East have made their views known through a comprehensive consultation process.

"We've talked about the need for new housing provision, jobs, improving the transport networks, the environment and energy policies and the feedback from a wide range of interested parties has been excellent.

"We have a plan which will help the region to grow and prosper in the years ahead and what we need now is for all partners to work effectively with us to meet the challenge of delivering it."