Led by property developer and film producer Philip Moross, the consortium was granted consent for the 1.5m sq ft by Easington District Council.

Designed by Michael Drain Architects, the 72-hectare scheme will include a film studio, two hotels and a specialist centre for training in film and TV production, linked to Sunderland University and East Durham College, which could accommodate up to 2,500 students.

The consortium also includes businessman Tom Maxfield who recently sold Seaham Hall Hotel and John Wood, chairman of the north-east's biggest construction firm, Tolent.

Due to the scale of the development, a final decision now has to be made by Government Office North East.

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