NEWCASTLE United fans say they could take legal action if councillors back a huge Strawberry Place development next week.

It was revealed on Thursday that controversial plans to build flats, offices, and a hotel next to St James’ Park are earmarked for approval by Newcastle City Council’s planning committee next Friday.

That has sparked disappointment among Toon supporters who fear the £120m project will block views of the iconic stadium and prevent any future expansion of the Gallowgate End.

The Newcastle United Supporters Trust, which represents 10,000 fans, has argued that the development fails to protect a “defining feature” of the city skyline and is “out of keeping with what the site can accommodate”.

A spokesman for the group said that they still hope councillors vote against the recommendation of their officers, but that a legal challenge would be an option if they believe the council makes a flawed decision.

They said: “In terms of next steps, we have a fundamental decision to take. If the application is granted, we will consider launching a judicial review of the council’s decision. We will look at this with our legal counsel and consider our options.”

The spokesman added: “This is a recommendation by the planning officers, it is not a decision. There is still an opportunity for the planning committee to refuse the application next week. The trust has submitted our objection and we maintain our view.”

The spokesman added that their problem with the redevelopment of the site is “not necessarily with this developer”, but to do with the land being “asset stripped” from the football club.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has agreed a £9m deal to sell the Strawberry Place land to Durham-based Helios Investment Partners and Doncaster firm Marrico Asset Management LLP.

Their plans include a 21-storey building with 204 apartments inside, a 12-storey office block, a 13-storey hotel with 200 bedrooms, and another residential building of 10 floors with 124 flats. The Sir Bobby Robson Memorial  Garden would also be relocated above St James’ Metro station.

In their report, council officers found that “the public benefits of the scheme would outweigh the harm caused to the setting of St James’ Park”.

They said that while views of the stadium would be damaged, there would still be “glimpse views” of the football ground.

Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah has also voiced serious concerns about the development and has urged the council to “recognise the value of Newcastle United to the city”.

Ms Onwurah, who is planning to attend next week’s committee hearing, said: “The relationship of Newcastle fans to St James’ Park and the club is a huge economic, social, and cultural asset that must be preserved.

“You shouldn’t be able to just glimpse the stadium, you should be able to feel the full power of it in the city.

“It is like a shining light on a hill, you don’t just want to glimpse it through tower blocks.”