PART of one of the North-East's large private estates could be turned over to become a business park.

A bid is being made to develop 5,135sq metres of upmarket office accommodation on almost eight acres of the Lambton Estate, near Chester-le-Street.

Trustees of the Lambton Estates are in consultation with Chester-le-Street District Council over the proposed conversion of former farm buildings into desirable offices in the attractive parkland setting.

The part of the estate earmarked for the proposed development is at Bowes House Farm, behind the Klondyke Garden Centre, just off the A183 Chester-le-Street to Sunderland road, near Burnmoor.

Bowes House Farm consists of a former farmstead and associated buildings, and the proposal is to change the use from agricultural buildings and a cottage to a business park, with 140 spaces for car parking.

Access to the site would be via the A183, using the same entrance as the garden centre.

Lambton Estate, which is on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, lies within the Wearside and County Durham Green Belt, but as the development consists mainly of conversions of existing agricultural buildings, it is considered "within the spirit" of Government planning guidance.

Neighbouring Sunderland City Council is to be asked its views over the proposed development.

A spokeswoman for Chester-le-Street council said it may not be until the district's development committee meeting in late July, or August, that the application is considered.