PART of a Darlington comprehensive school's playing fields are expected to be set aside for development.

The land, including a redundant running track, at the town's Longfield Comprehensive School, has been deemed surplus to requirements by the Department for Education and Skills.

Darlington Borough Council's cabinet will be asked to approve the proposal for the 17,991 square metres of land at a meeting next week.

A report to Tuesday's meeting recommends that the land should be sold off.

Sport England's regional director, Judith Rasmussen, last night said the organisation had been consulted and raised no objections because the facilities had been replaced in advance by Eastbourne Sports Complex.