COUNCILLORS have backed multi-million plans for the transformation of an historic North-East estate.

It is hoped the 400-house development at the Lambton Estate, near Bournmoor, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, will create 525 jobs and boost tourism in the region.

The £28.5million project includes a major renovation of the site, 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 in the former Lambton Lion Park, which closed in 1982.

Lambton Castle is expected to become a wedding venue or boutique hotel, or both, and the creation of executive and affordable housing in picturesque surroundings will fund the multi-million pound work.

The outline proposals for the estate, where the period drama The Paradise was filmed, includes office space and shops.

Edward Lambton, the Seventh Earl of Durham, first announced his intention to secure the long-term future of his 1,500-acre estate four years ago.

Christopher Harrison, who is part of The Trustees of Lord Durham’s 1989 Voluntary Settlement, which submitted the application, said: “This planning application represents the culmination of man, many months and years of work to open up and deliver investment in to what say is one of County Durham’s hidden gems with over 23 listed buildings. It is a well-considered scheme.”

Durham County Councillors agreed to support the outline scheme unanimously, but final approval from Communities Secretary Greg Clark is needed before work can begin as it is on greenbelt land.

Geoff Hughes, chairman of the County Durham Local Access Forum, which objected to the scheme, said: “We do not agree the access arrangements as currently proposed will open up one of the county’s hidden gems, which is a regionally important tourist destination. We consider the revised access plans fails to provide adequate public access.”

Sunderland City Council has also raised concerns over the impact on school places and the road changes proposed.

A report by senior planning officer Colin Harding, advised councillors to back the scheme, detailing how two new roundabouts could be built off the A183 Chester Road to handle extra traffic.

Councillor Alan Bell, who represents the Lumley division on the council, said: “It will allow the estate to be opened up for all to enjoy and preserve the heritage of the estate, not only now but for future generations.”