FINAL plans have been submitted for a green energy theme park that could create hundreds of jobs in remote communities.

The scheme to convert a former cement works site at Eastgate, in Weardale, into a theme park is likely to go before unitary authority Durham County Council’s planning committee in June.

The Weardale Task Force, set up following job losses at Eastgate cement works, predicts that the village will create 350 jobs and bring vast economic benefits to the former lead mining valley.

With homes, offices, workshop units, a hotel and spa and outdoor sporting facilities, it would be a major tourist attraction for the North-East, as well as a place to live and work.

Ruling on the scheme will be one of the first major planning decisions for the new unitary authority.

Weardale councillor John Shuttleworth predicted wide support for what, he said, was the area’s last chance of prosperity after years of decline following the closure of the local cement works and the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

He said: “There is a lot of support at County Hall and I am very hopeful.

“Anyone who is not for this should think about what else is on offer. The answer is nothing.

“The future of our existing businesses, schools, village halls and churches depends on this. They will all go unless this happens.”

A draw for investors could be its unique selling point as the only site in the country to use all five forms of landbased energy available in the UK – solar, wind, water, biomass and geothermal from drilling deep into underground hot rocks to create a spa pool and heat buildings.

Together they would generate enough “clean” energy to offset Weardale’s consumption.

A number of changes have been made in the year since the outline planning application was first submitted.

Further consultations and survey work has resulted in modifications, some designed to reduce the site’s visual impact.

A 10m wind turbine on the valley floor will replace three previously proposed and will be part of a proposed land art sculpture.

A second 30m turbine will stand at the site entrance, announcing the development’s “green” theme to rail and road travellers.

Car parking bays are being cut to encourage visitors not to drive to the site, but the main changes are south of the main village around a high quarry area.

Mountain bikes trails, which last week attracted world and European standard riders to a locally-organised event, are now restricted to the hillside and quarry south of the Stanhope to Westgate back road, leaving riverside meadows and ancient riverside woodland as a quieter area for walking and picnicking.

Cycle trails and footpaths now avoid fields on the eastern side with potential importance to black grouse and golden plover.

The upper section of a cable car has been removed and a bird interpretation centre added as part of a cafe complex linked with cameras.

Following concerns about emissions from the site’s main energy source – a large biomass plant – the task force is insisting it will operate within stringent, legally-specified limits.