PLANS to create two consulting rooms in a temporary portable cabin behind a doctor's surgery are likely to be approved by councillors.

Chester-le-Street District Council's planning committee will today consider the plans for Middle Chare Surgery, in Middle Chare.

The building would also provide space for a phlebotomists room, used for the collection of blood samples from patients.

A previous application had proposed a single-storey extension but the potential presence of archaeological remains in the vicinity led to the withdrawal of the proposal to investigate schemes involving less ground disturbance.

The proposed portable building will be linked to the surgery by a walkway.

A report to the committee said there were concerns that the structure could have an impact on the conservation area and that granting temporary approval could lead to pressure to keep the building for a longer period.

It was, therefore, suggested that the applicant carry out archaeological survey at an early stage to allow a permanent extension to be designed.

Planning officers have recommended that temporary permission be given for three years.