PLANS for offices on a country estate could create 200 jobs.
Trustees for Lambton Estates are proposing a 44,000sq ft office development in converted farm buildings.
It would be on an eight-acre section of the estate, on the Chester-le-Street side of the district boundary with Sunderland, near Burnmoor.
Agents for the estate are consulting with Chester-le-Street District Council over the proposed conversion of Bowes House Farm, behind the Klondyke Garden Centre, on the A183 Chester-le-Street to Sunderland road.
Lambton Estate, on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, lies within the Wearside and County Durham Green Belt.
But as the development would mainly involve the conversion of agricultural buildings, it is considered within the spirit of Government planning guidance.
Lambton Estates' land agent, Smiths Gore, of Darlington, is negotiating with the district and Durham County Councils.
David Gray, of Smiths Gore, said: "They have both come back with a very positive response. "There is a need for this type of development in the area."
Chester-le-Street council's development committee is not expected to consider the application until its July or August meeting.
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