A MASTERPLAN that could dramatically change the complexion of a former industrial town has gone on show.

Planning consultants have redrawn proposals for the former steelworks site in Consett, which closed in 1980 and led to high unemployment and economic deprivation.

Hope of creating a major business park have been dropped and planners now aim to attract house builders and big name retailers to the area.

It is hoped people with families will be drawn in with new and affordable housing and high street brands and local service providers will follow to meet their needs.

Karen Read, regional director of Signet Planning, the consultant representing Project Genesis, which is working with Durham County Council to develop the site, said the plan could take another three decades to put in place.

She said: “It is over 30 years since the original plans for Consett were drawn up so we have brought it right up to date.

“We think that this is the vision for the site going forward.”

The plan went on show at Consett Library today (October 18) and is available until Monday, October 29.

Tesco, which already has permission for a giant store opposite McDonalds, has started work on the site and planners hope to attract other ‘big box’ shops to create a retail world with pubs and cafes nearby.

The plan includes creating a business park and visitor centre celebrating the area’s industrial heritage to welcome people using the cycle ways and footpaths to the area.

Plans to develop large sections of housing are included in the overall vision and have been included in the local authority’s County Durham Plan.

Consultation is underway and a public exhibition was held yesterday (WED) in St Patrick's Church Hall, Consett.

Durham County Council has allocated 11 sites in and around the town that will accommodate almost 1,700 extra houses on the outskirts of the town centre as well as at Delves Lane, Berry Edge and Shotley Bridge Hospital.

Fairways resident Joanne Wilson claims the additional housing will lead to increased pollution, traffic congestion and affect public services such as transport, schools, medical services, healthcare and sports facilities.

Consultation on the housing plan ends on November 2. People can find out more by logging on to www.durham.gov.uk or calling 03000-260-000.