Dozens of new bars, restaurants and plush apartments have helped the area to rival similar locations in London and Manchester.

But Labour MP Jim Cousins has criticised the developments as creating "too much booze and not enough buzz".

Now he wants the government's regeneration agency One NorthEast to restrict new projects.

Jim Cousins: wants fewer quayside developments

Mr Cousins says the changing face of Newcastle's waterfront does not reflect the culture and people of the city.

He said: "What we need is more real home zones and less roam zones.

"I fear that where we are moving is towards booze and not buzz for the people of Newcastle."

Mr Cousins, the MP for Newcastle Central, highlighted a new planned developed - dubbed plot 12 - which will see a high-rise apartment and leisure complex built in the shadow of an historic church.

Church officials and heritage groups have already criticised the Anglian Water Group (AWG)-funded project.

But AWG spokesman Paul Brown said: "For years Newcastle has suffered from being in the shadow of Leeds and Manchester.

"Newcastle has a lot to offer and should benefit from the new developments being planned."

Mr Cousins added: "I will be telling One NorthEast that we have done well so far but that we must not spoil things at the eleventh hour."