It is hoped the Hollywood-style complex could create up to 2,400 jobs.

The documents handed to District of Easington Council reveal a list of major developments within the site off the A182 at Dawdon.

If given the go-ahead, the Centre for Creative Excellence could include seven studios, lecture theatres, including one with a cinema, post-production buildings, student accommodation, two hotels, conference facilities, workshops, serviced accommodation and other education and recreation areas.

The plans also show public and private leisure facilities, with an outdoor swimming pool, sports hall, spa facilities, gym, running track and cycle hire proposed.

A lake, landscaped areas and large car parks are also suggested for the scheme, which has looked at setting up the centre in an environmentally-friendly way.

Initial estimations suggested the plans could create 1,800 jobs, but that has now been increased to 2,400.

Construction workers, engineers, decorators, wardrobe designers, make-up artists and hairdressers will be among those needed to help create the films, putting the area on the global movie map.

Sunderland University and East Durham and Houghall College have expressed an interest in being involved in the education side of the project, which could open up to 2,000 places for students.

The outline application can be seen on the council's website and will also go on show at Seaham Town Council offices and the Glebe Centre, Murton, in the new year.

Statutory consultation has begun, but planners have decided public consultation will start in January, once the council has returned to work following the Christmas break.

The matter will go before a full council meeting, rather than its development control panel, because of the size and nature of the development and is likely to be discussed next month.

The site covers around 80hectares of land south of the new link road, with its entrance to be created off the roundabout near to the Foxcover Industrial Estate.

Earlier this year Tom Maxfield, the man who set up and owns Seaham Hall and Serenity Spa, was appointed as director of Coolmore Estates Limited, the consortium behind the development.

The group has previously said the studio could be built in three years once approved.

Initial consultation showed 98.5 per cent of people who completed forms were in favour of the idea.