A new multi-school campus will provide a “world class” education to thousands of children in County Durham.

A proposal to build a new primary school, secondary school and sports facilities at Belmont Community School was approved on Tuesday (March 7), paving the way for multi-million investment in the area.

The new scheme comes as the existing buildings for Belmont Church of England and the neighbouring Belmont Community School are no longer fit for purpose. Councillors on Durham County Council’s planning committee heard the new facilities will have significant benefits for the residents of Belmont and surrounding areas.

Around £34 million is due to be invested in the new campus, with the local authority working alongside the Department for Education and construction group Kier.

Head teacher at Belmont Community School, Paul Marsden, said building the new campus was a “no brainer”.

“This is a new school which is not just essential, it’s long overdue,” he said. “We have been delivering education to children in substandard buildings for a long time. This will give us world class facilities to deliver world class education for our children. The community usage is a real benefit.”

The Northern Echo: An aerial drawing of the new schools and sports facilities An aerial drawing of the new schools and sports facilities (Image: NORR Consultants)

The three-storey secondary school and two-storey primary school will be built on the existing sports field before demolition work on the current buildings starts. New sports facilities will consist of an indoor hall and outdoor pitches, with clubs from elsewhere in the community able to visit.

However, 10 objections to the application were received from residents, with concerns over noise a recurring issue.

Nearby resident Simon Wilmot, whose house backs onto the school field, told councillors at a meeting on Tuesday that people’s life quality will be impacted.

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He said: “It’s a heavily populated area and allowing the pitches to operate all year round, all weekend until after nine-10 o’clock at night will significantly affect the quality of life of those nearby, especially due to the noise levels and the language.

“I won’t be able to enjoy my garden with my young children for fear of the shouting and swearing constantly from those pitches.

In response, Mr Marsden said: “I understand neighbours’ concerns over noise and I’m happy to work with them.”