A VILLAGE surgery's plans for new premises could face opposition if it is built next to a play park.

Durham City Council has agreed in principle to lease land next to Sherburn Leisure Centre to the Sherburn and Belmont Surgery Group Practice.

The practice, in Gray Avenue, hopes to provide facilities from a medical centre.

But the move has dismayed Liberal Democrat city and parish councillor Stuart Walton, one of the leading lights of Sherburn Outdoor Activities for Kids (Oak), which has raised money for a play park next to the leisure centre.

The first pieces of equipment for younger children have already been installed.

The group objected to the leasing of the land, saying the building would block off the play park from neighbouring sports pitches, but councillors believe a surgery on the site would complement the leisure centre.

Councillor Walton said: "I'm not against a new surgery, I would love to see one, but I think there are other sites that might be more suitable. We have little enough land and it seems there is no consideration of the future. Where are the kids going to play?"

Carol Woods, city council cabinet member for finance and councillor for the village, said the surgery's expansion plan would bring it "firmly into the centre of village life''