MULTI-million pound plans to open up the Earl of Durham’s country estate and rescue its historic castle look set to be approved next week (Tuesday, January 5).

Edward Lambton, the Seventh Earl of Durham, first announced his intention to “secure the long-term future” of his 1,500-acre Lambton Estate, near Chester-le-Street, four years ago.

Durham County Council will discuss the £28.5 million scheme on Tuesday (January 5) – and council officials are recommending planning permission be granted.

Around 400 houses, mostly executive homes, would be built on the estate’s southern edge, along with offices, shops and a community hub.

The money raised would be ploughed back into restoring the estate, including the Grade II* listed Lambton Castle, renowned architect Ignatius Bonomi’s Grade II-listed Lamb Bridge and some castle stables.

Areas would be opened to the public, with nine miles of new footpaths and cycleways.

The public had little chance to access the estate for many years following the closure of the famous Lambton Lion Park in 1982, but recently BBC period drama The Paradise was filmed at the Grade I-listed Biddick Hall and the Foundation of Light has staged annual Lambton Runs.

Trustees say the estate is a “hidden gem” of County Durham but is at a “critical point” in its history and requires a long-term, viable framework to secure its future.

It is estimated the scheme could attract around 500 jobs to its business area, boost the economy by £52 million a year and bring in 75,000 visitors a year.

It has the support of North Durham MP Kevan Jones, the North East Chamber of Commerce, Business Durham and Visit County Durham.

However, the site lies in the North Durham Green Belt and neighbouring Sunderland City Council has raised concerns over the impact on school places and the road changes proposed.

The application is for outline planning permission only, but specifies two new roundabouts on the A183 – one to replace the A183/A1052 junction. The current estate entrance would be closed.

In his report, senior planning officer Colin Harding says the benefits of the scheme would outweigh the “limited harm” to the Green Belt and recommends permission be granted, subject to there being a conservation management plan, public access, a £250,000 contribution towards public art, a £550,135 contribution towards providing more school places, ten acres of public open space and 15 per cent of the housing being affordable.

Members of the county planning committee will discuss the scheme at County Hall on Tuesday (January 5) at 1pm.