PLANS to build houses on the former site of a college look set to win approval, despite objections.

Derwentside College has moved from Park Road in Consett to a £6.5m centre in Front Street, on five acres of the Berry Edge site, which opens next week.

The college wants to redevelop the old 2.77 hectare site and has lodged an outline planning application with Derwentside District Council.

On Thursday, the council's development control committee will be recommended to give conditional approval.

The old site contains the college campus and woodland that forms part of the Blackhill conservation area.

Sport England is opposing the redevelopment because it fears the development will mean the loss of sports facilities on the old campus.

Three residents have raised objections, saying they are concerned that possible development on land leading to the recently-refurbished Consett Park would spoil its beauty.

There are also concerns about one of the proposed access roads.

A report from principal planning officer Darren Cuming says the Sport England objection is likely to be withdrawn as the new campus will have sports facilities.

He said: "There is unlikely to be any net loss of facilities within the locality.''

The woodland should be retained as amenity land as it adds significantly to the character of the area.

"The development brief advocates the retention of the land and the applicants have been asked to confirm that this is the case.''

Mr Cuming says the development would enhance the area. If the application is approved, the college will submit a detailed blueprint.

The new campus includes a centre of engineering enterprise, featuring laboratories for electronics and engineering, along with a computer design facility.

The new centre's fitness suite and sports facilities will be open to the public and there are parking spaces for 200 cars.