PLANS have been unveiled for a £48m regeneration scheme for a north Durham community.

The proposals tabled by the Esh Group aim to transform The Middles, South Stanley, with the construction of 300 homes.

The plans, which have yet to be submitted for approval, include new community facilities, environmental enhancements, footpath and cycleway links and a play area.

The developers also plan to create a Business Incubator Centre at nearby Tanfield Lea to help generate employment opportunities and develop a training centre at The Middles site.

The scheme is expected to lead to dozens of new jobs for people living in South Stanley, with the chance for many to continue working for the firm once the project has been completed.

The proposals, revealed at an exhibition in Craghead Village Hall yesterday, are the culmination of months of consultation and meetings with local interest groups, including the Craghead Development Trust and Green Corridor Neighbourhood Partnership.

Dunelm Castle Homes managing director Phil Young said the greenfield site had been allocated to provide new housing for South Stanley in the Derwentside Local Plan.

He said: "A significant proportion of affordable houses - up to 150 houses - will be provided. The latest 2006 housing needs survey confirms a need for additional affordable housing, specifically in Stanley."

He added that the company would work with the Stanley School of Technology to get students involved with the housing firm's award-winning Fit4 Employment scheme.

Under the scheme, up to 80 students would develop an understanding of opportunities in the construction industry, with a minimum of eight jobs guaranteed for each year of the programme.

The Esh Group's Fit4 Employment Again, aimed at those who are long-term unemployed, will guarantee a further five jobs a year.

A training centre will be provided at The Middles to teach skills to the local workforce.

Paul Marshall, neighbourhood manager for the Green Corridor Neighbourhood Partnership, said: "We would welcome anything that would bring an economic benefit to the area.

"However, environmental issues have to be taken into account. We will be working closely with the developers to ensure that any plans reflect the desires and needs of the community."

Developers hope to start work in 2009-10.