Multi-million pound developments set to transform Middlesbrough and Stockton could help save architectural gems in the area, according to a local MP.

Stockton South MP Dari Taylor said residential areas promised as part of the North Shore development, in Stockton, and the Middlehaven project, in Middlesbrough, could alleviate pressure for housing in the region.

She said demand for new homes had led to beautiful Victorian houses being replaced by ugly flats.

The MP pointed to the loss of Victorian and Edwardian properties in Yarm.

However, she said: "There's undeniably a real demand for new housing. The hope is that these massive new developments at Middlehaven and at North Shore especially, will help to put off this trend, which has seen these wonderful old buildings replaced by these frankly dull and characterless flats."

The MP met last Friday with members of Egglescliffe Parish Council to discuss the preservation of the area.

Planning officials from Stockton Borough Council also attended the meeting.

The MP said she had recently contacted Government Planning Minister Keith Hill to express her concerns and those of the parish council.

She said: "The minister's reply was very clear. His 2003 planning for housing statement emphasised that housing development has to be of the right type, in the right place and the right time. I believe it is important for all of us to hear this message."

Mrs Taylor raised the matter in parliament with Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott last October.

She urged Mr Prescott to make clear to local authorities that planning guidance was not an open opportunity for housebuilding.

Mr Prescott admitted the guidance could be causing changes, but he insisted the Government was achieving success in increasing development on brownfield land.