APPEALS lodged by Sunderland AFC over elements of its showpiece football training area may not be heard until after Easter.

It means the Academy of Light may not be fully developed in time for use by the England squad in preparation for the key Euro 2004 qualifier against Turkey, at Sunderland's Stadium of Light, on April 2.

The club is appealing against refusal of planning permission by South Tyneside Borough Council over five aspects of the academy development - an indoor football pitch, a 52-bed hostel, a groundsman's store, a nature study classroom and an 8ft perimeter fence.

Planning permission was granted for the outline plan, on 65 acres of Whitburn Moor Farm, north of Sunderland, almost two years ago following an appeal hearing.

The club announced in September that it was appealing against the decision relating to the five refused elements.

A council spokeswoman said yesterday that arrangements were being made to confirm a fixed date for the appeal hearing, likely to be staged at South Shields Town Hall.

"It's looking like it will be some time in the spring, possibly immediately after the Easter break in April," she said.