LEGAL action aimed at saving a rubbished council masterplan has been paused.

Having seen its County Durham Plan (CDP) torn apart by an independent inspector, Durham County Council last month decided to pursue a judicial review.

But that High Court action has been “stayed” for 30 days to buy the council and the government more time to try to find an alternative solution.

A council spokeswoman said: “We are in discussions with DCLG (Department for Communities and Local Government) and we have agreed to their application for a 30 day ‘stay’ to court proceedings to enable these talks to progress.”

The CDP aims at 30,000 new jobs, 31,400 new homes, extra retail and employment space and two new bypasses by 2030 and is said to be worth £3bn.

Supporters say it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn around the county’s fortunes and make it a regional economic powerhouse.

But critics say it is way over the top and risks ruining the charm of medieval Durham City.