COUNCILLORS are to be asked to give the go ahead for a £25m revamp for a school.

The redevelopment of Durham Johnston School has been dogged by delays, the latest in May, when plans were withdrawn amid an outcry from neighbours.

They feared the school's new entrance would make the busy A167 more congested, creating a danger for children.

However, members of Durham County Council's planning committee on Friday will be asked to approve the scheme, with only minor changes.

The redeveloped site would bring pupils from the school's two campuses together at Crossgate Moor.

It would have an entrance from the A167, with access from the south by a right-hand turn lane.

Several residents, and the City of Durham Trust, have written letters of objection.

However, in a committee report, council planning officer John Byers says: "The overall effect of school traffic on the surrounding road network would be within acceptable limits.

"While accepting that the occupiers of properties involved would be disadvantaged to an extent, possible alternative junction options are not considered to be viable.

"The head of highway management considers that the operation of the junction would need to be monitored once it becomes fully functional but, subject to this requirement, supports the proposed arrangements."

The school's 1,450 pupils are split between sites in Crossgate Moor and Whinney Hill.

The school has among the best exam results in the country, but some of its buildings are 70 years old and crumbling.

The plans include a two and three-storey classroom unit being built on a playing field.

The project would also see six pitches, including a synthetic surface, two hard courts, an outside performance space, soft play areas, nature conservation trails and wildlife sites.

The main buildings would be made of glass, red brick and coloured panels.

The school is expected to be the first in County Durham to benefit from the £400m Building Schools For The Future programme. Work is to be completed by September next year.

Mr Byers said: "The proposed development would achieve a longstanding educational objective of consolidating the Durham Johnston School on a single site.