CONTROVERSIAL new guidelines that will strip local councils of their power to block building on green belt land won surprise backing last night from the North-East's planning chief.

Ken Manton, Labour chairman of the North East Assembly's planning and transport group, said the move would create badly-needed rural jobs by targeting the "Nimby" (Not In My Back Yard) attitude of many councillors.

He said critics of the plans, to be confirmed by the government in early summer, had an outdated view of the countryside that stood in the way of economic success.

At present, local authorities can block any building in the countryside by designating any area as in special need of conservation.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott plans to weaken that power by forcing councils to allow developments that have particular "importance and necessity".

Mr Prescott believes the change is vital to allow jobs to be created in areas where farming jobs are disappearing.

Projects most likely to be approved will be those encouraging tourism, as well as renewable energy, such as wind farms.

The Campaign to Protect Rural England condemned the change as a "pox on the countryside" and said it proved ministers did not value the countryside.

Mr Manton, who is also leader of Durham County Council, said the guidelines would make it easier to build tourism in the North-East, such as converting agricultural buildings into attractive accommodation.

He said: "The countryside should be a vibrant area and some local authorities have been too Nimbyish in their attitude, because they have been afraid of offending the people they represent."

A spokesman for the Office of the Deputy prime minister said it was important the right balance was struck between creating jobs and building in the countryside.

The Government is considering the responses to a three-month consultation before issuing new guidance in late spring or early summer.