A GROWING revolt over a planning blueprint threatening thousands of jobs across the region last night forced the Government to allow more time for changes.

Speaking in a Commons debate, local government minister Phil Woolas pledged a further eight-week consultation on the North-East Regional Spatial Strategy (NERSS).

Amid fierce criticism from MPs of all parties, Mr Woolas said no decisions had been taken by ministers on the key issues of economic development and housing.

And he raised hopes by saying: "It is very important that theGovernment listens and takes note of what has been said."

Mr Woolas announced the further eight-week consultation on any changes made once the current ten-week dialogue closes in August.

The concession came after Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman led a chorus of criticism that the strategy was "planning for failure".

Drawn up by the North-East Assembly, its ambitious housing and job creation plans for the next 15 years have since been watered down by inspectors and the Government.

The Northern Echo, together with the North-East Chamber of Commerce, has launched the Shaping the Future campaign to demand flagship proposals are reinstated.

Ms Goodman said developments under threat included:

NetPark, in Sedgefield, County Durham - expected to bring in £100m of investment and 10,000 jobs, but now limited from 49 hectares to just 13.

NetPark - A proposed film and media complex at Seaham, Easington, which would create 1,800 jobs and £198m of inward investment.

NetPark - The proposed expansion of Heighington Lane West, in Sedgefield, and the Tursdale Regional Freight Facility, which could create 11,000 jobs.

NetPark - The proposed expansion of the Biofuels plant, at Seal Sands, and a Renewable Energy Village at Eastgate.

Ms Goodman said the NESRR had set a "gloomy" forecast that the region's economy would grow by just 2.8 per cent every year until 2021.

She added: "This figure fails to take account of the recent renaissance of the North-East economy. By restricting growth, it is as if the NERSS is planning for failure."

Durham North MP Kevan Jones condemned its "Soviet-style planning", while Roberta Blackman-Woods, the Durham city MP, said: "This document is extremely damaging to my constituency."

In reply, Mr Woolas said he could not answer specific complaints while the strategy was out for consultation, but insisted the Government did "share the ambition" for the region`s growth.

He said: "The Government has not, at this stage, accepted the recommendations on the large sites, nor indeed on the affordable housing.

"On the number of houses, the government is looking for feedback - and it is clear what that feedback is going to be."

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