PLANS to create a new village in Newton Aycliffe have taken a step forward after an 18-month consultation exercise.

Sedgefield Borough Council has prepared a revised planning brief for Cobblers Hall after lengthy consultation.

Hundreds of homes are to be built on the site, with a village centre including a supermarket, pub and doctor's surgery.

The plans also include an informal play space.

A greenways network will be established to provide a link between residential areas and the adjacent countryside.

Small housing-related changes have also been made, including the need for direct, well-lit, access from the northern part of the development to the proposed new village centre.