PLANS to recreate a Georgian landscape are set to take a major step forward.

A planning application detailing the first phase of restoration work by Durham County Council at the Grade II listed Hardwick Park, near Sedgefield, has been submitted. An exhibition giving details of the application is on show at Sedgefield Library until Saturday.

The exhibition will be manned by county council staff and the Friends of Hardwick Park. People have until the end of May to make any comments about the plans and can call (0191) 383 3594 for details.

The county council's planning committee is expected to consider the plan in June. If planning permission is granted, work will start on the eighteenth century parkland in September and would be due for completion at the end of March 2006.

Work includes the restoration of a 17-acre lake which disappeared 150 years ago, the Temple of Minerva, the tower of the Gothic Ruin, the Gothic Seat and a circuit walk.

A new heritage centre, car park and entrance are plannned in the first phase, along with conservation work to increase the park's ecological value.

The project has already received £750,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and an application is currently with the HLF to release a further £4m earmarked for the scheme.

A decision on the extra funding is expected in late July. The long-term aim is to raise the quality of the park so it becomes eligible for Grade I listing.