A MULTI-MILLION pound waterfront scheme aimed at creating 2,500 jobs has cleared its first planning hurdle.

Hartlepool Borough Council yesterday recommended planning approval be given to the joint application by Tees Valley Regeneration and PD Ports plc for the Victoria Harbour scheme.

The plan includes 3,430 homes, a primary school, 57,000sq m of office space, 17,000sq m of shop floors, 10,000sq m for leisure, and 10,000 sq m for community use.

There will be public open space, including a coastal walkway and a pedestrian and cycle bridge.

It is hoped the scheme will get the final go-ahead from Government Offices North-East early in the New Year, allowing building work on the first phase to begin later next year.

The waterfront site is owned by PD Ports plc, and the development will open up a stretch of sea front north of Hartlepool Marina.

Council members agreed unanimously that they would be minded to approve the plans, subject to conditions.

Victoria Harbour will be funded by public and private investment and its backers say it will be worth an estimated half a billion pounds when complete.

Joe Docherty, chief executive of Tees Valley Regeneration, said: "We are delighted that Hartlepool Borough Council has recommended approval for the plans for Victoria Harbour - this decision represents a major milestone for the project."

David Easson, group property director for PD Ports plc, said: "The objective of the scheme is to improve job prospects, increase tourism and stimulate the economy of both Hartlepool and the North-East in general by attracting new commercial and residential occupiers."

Councillor Bill Iseley, chairman of Hartlepool council's planning committee, said: "This is by far the biggest single application that we have ever had to consider, and it represents a tremendous opportunity for the town.

"The scheme will be a long-term development spanning some 20 years, and it will enable us to build on the success of our existing marina.''

He added: "We expect the development to attract a lot of outside investment, giving a massive boost to the local economy and generating many new jobs and opportunities for local people."