A CAMPAIGN is underway to block plans to build housing on land at England cricket star Paul Collingwood’s first club.

Shotley Bridge Cricket Club, near Consett, wants to improve its facilities by allowing a developer to create homes on its site.

But people who live in the area fear the scheme will destroy a local beauty spot and harm wildlife.

Supporters of the Save Spa Well Meadows campaign have been distributing leaflets to raise awareness of the plan.

It reads: "This local beauty spot and essential wildlife corridor containing some protected plants, insects and animals living on some of the remaining ancient meadows of County Durham is set to be destroyed, along with almost 300 mature trees, to build an unnecessary housing estate, two urban apartment blocks and an access road.

"This business proposal is being stream rollered through the council disguised as improvements to the cricket club facilities.

"Stop this madness and preserve this beautiful part of the valley for future generations.

"A more responsible development of the cricket club must be sought."

Members of Derwentside District Council’s planning committee agreed they were "minded to approve" the plan to build 25 detached family homes and 60 retirement apartments before the authority was disbanded at the end of last month.

The made the decision despite advice from planning officers who said the plan should be refused.

It is being referred to the Government Office for the North-East to see if a public inquiry is required.

If not, the matter will go before a new planning committee of Durham County Council for ratification.

The development, with Stocksfield-based developer Anvil Homes, will pave the way for a new pitch, pavilion and changing facilities offering enhanced opportunities for rising sports stars from the area.

Anyone with objections is advised to write to planning department of Durham County Council at Civic Centre in Consett before April 23.

Almost 70 letters of objection have been received and now are arriving daily.

Senior planning officer Ann Rawlinson said: "Officers believe in principal the development is unacceptable.

"Councillors said the benefits outweighed the fact that it is contrary to the council’s planning policy.

"We feel it will create an unacceptable encroachment in to the local countryside. Any comments we receive will be passed on to the Government Office for the North-East for consideration."