A plan to build 95 homes on a former sports field in Darlington is likely to be referred to the Deputy Prime Minister.

Cleveland Bridge UK has applied for outline planning permission for the development on land behind the Copper Beech pub, in Geneva Lane, Darlington.

The 2.7-hectare site would include houses and apartments, as well as three village green-style open spaces.

The company has offered to build sports changing rooms and a car park at South Park in exchange for permission being granted.

The Council for the Protection of Rural England has objected to the Geneva Lane plan, saying it would be to the "detriment of the environmental character of the town".

In a letter to the council, the organisation said: "We are particularly concerned that a number of applications of this sort are being approved on an ad hoc basis."

A resident has objected to the South Park scheme on the grounds of increased traffic in Parkside.

Both proposals will go before the authority's planning committee on Wednesday.

Officers have recommended that the decision to grant permission be referred to John Prescott. If he decides not to "call in" the application the council is likely to enter into a legal agreement to secure the changing rooms and car park at South Park plus five football pitches, a cricket pitch, and covered cycle area.