VILLAGERS reacted angrily yesterday after plans for sports changing facilities were approved by councillors.

Heighington Parish Council submitted plans to Darlington Borough Council for the project, which would include two changing rooms, shower rooms, a refreshments area, first aid room and parking for about 40 vehicles.

The scheme is being funded by the Football Foundation, but it has attracted opposition from 116 people.

They said it could become "a magnet for trouble-makers" and the parking provision was too much.

They also criticised the inclusion of a two-metre security fence around the site.

Hall Lane resident John Snowball told yesterday's borough council planning committee meeting that the groundswell of local opinion was against the scheme.

"It will have a severe detrimental effect on the landscape. Our worry is that in the future there will be moves to provide floodlight," he said.

But Brian Anderson, chairman of the parish council, said it was committed to providing quality sports facilities.

Councillors approved the application by a majority vote of seven to one.