COUNCIL leaders have united to oppose a plan for the future of the region, which they say will jeopardise the long-term economic regeneration of County Durham.

A matter of months since they were at loggerheads during November's referendum campaign, all eight of the county's authorities joined forces to oppose what they say is restrictive draft planning guidance for the region prepared by the North-East Assembly.

They argue the draft strategy represents a serious setback to their vision of a "dynamic Durham" and will have restrictive and negative implications for the county.

If adopted, all developments until 2021 will have to comply with the strategy.

Concerns have been voiced that the strategy favours urban development at the expense of rural areas.

Yesterday, the County Durham Association of Local Authorities issued a joint statement calling for major revisions to the plan.