A TOWN centre regeneration and housing plan has overcome its biggest hurdle by winning the approval of the Government's regional office.
The Government Office North East (Gone) approved a three-phase application for 270 homes, part demolition of an industrial estate and improved access to Locomotion: The National Railway Museum, in Shildon.
Sedgefield Borough Council approved Theakston Estates' plans to develop land east of Spout Lane, on March 4.
But, because the proposals fell outside the borough local plan, they had to be referred to Gone, which has now told the council that it is satisfied with the decision to grant planning permission and will not be calling for an inquiry.
Gone said that the overall plan "uses the land for development in line with economic, social and environmental objectives to improve quality of life".
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