The eco-village would be on the site of the former cement works

A planning application for the complex on the site of the former Lafarge cement plant at Eastgate, near Stanhope, is expected soon.

The factory closed in August 2002 with the loss of 147 jobs.

A public consultation exercise has revealed concerns about the quality of homes and jobs that will be on offer.

A task force set up to attract jobs has plans for an environmentally-friendly village, including a hotel, renewable energy centre and housing development.

Broadly welcomed

The task force said it hopes to submit an outline application soon.

The redevelopment would also feature hot springs, tapped from 2,000ft underground.

Consultants KSA carried out an analysis of what local people thought of the plans. In total 115 responses were received and in addition 71 people discussed the proposals at four consultation events.

While residents broadly welcomed the proposals, some expressed concerns about its long-term benefits and the likely impact on the surrounding community.

There were also calls to ensure the "right kind" of jobs were created and that the development included affordable housing.

In 2004 experts spent months carrying out test drilling in the area to confirm there was enough geothermal energy to make the project viable.