A PLEA for councillors to reject plans for the extension of an angling club is being made by people living in Witton Park, Bishop Auckland.

They will take their protests to a meeting of Wear Valley District Council's development control committee tomorrow night.

The residents say that proposals to build a two-storey building and car park at Wadsworth Fishery, in the village, will cause noise and pollution and affect public footpaths.

Dale Daniels, who wrote a book about Witton Park, said that the development by Bishop Auckland District Angling Club would detract from the natural beauty of the area.

He said: "There would be no objections to a small clubhouse that anglers could use, but this is a monstrosity of a two storey building.

"They say it would enhance the village, but this is of no benefit to locals, it is for the privileged few who can afford the fees for the angling club.''

Mr Daniels, 56, expressed concerns over access for emergency services, such as fire engines, to the site, and said it would compromise the wildlife corridor and disturb habitat.

The plans are part of a National Angling Development Plan which seeks to develop the site to become a regional angling centre for the North-East.

Bishop Auckland District Angling Club was given outline planning permission for the extension in June and is creating two lakes on the south bank of the River Wear.

The proposed building, which is of a modern design, will have storage space, office accommodation, a meeting room, a kitchen and lavatories, and a function room.

The plans have also allowed for a classroom, because the building will be used for educational purposes.

As well as a car park there will be new footpaths and access ramps around the lake for disabled anglers.

Council planning officers have recommended approval for the project, but residents have submitted 14 letters outlining their concerns.

Mr Daniels has been given permission to speak to councillors at Thursday's meeting in the Civic Centre, Crook, and says he hopes they will listen to what the residents want.