SUNDERLAND AFC is to appeal against a setback in its attempt to create training and youth development facilities.

Chairman Bob Murray said last night the club would challenge a refusal of planning permission for five additional elements to the proposed Academy of Light.

It would be sited on 60 acres of the former Whitburn Moor Farm, part of the green belt north of Sunderland.

Outline planning permission was granted for the development by the then Secretary of State for the Environment, John Prescott, in February 2000.

But, on Friday, South Tyneside council's development committee rejected an application for an indoor training pitch, a 52-bed hostel, a community classroom, groundsman's storage facilities and boundary fencing.

About 200 objections were received and the public gallery at South Shields Town Hall was packed on Friday.

Council development officer Paul Dowling recommended refusal as he said the proposals represented a major departure from conditions imposed by Mr Prescott.

Following the nine to two vote against, Councillor Audrey McMillan said: "We felt they were inappropriate for the green belt.

"In principle, the council accepts the academy will be there, and we welcome working with the club in future, but the plans we looked at today were not adequate."

Mr Murray said the additional facilities were "essential" for the club to retain its FA-approved academy status.

He said Sven Goran Eriksson had recognised the facility as of "national importance" and was committed to bringing the England squad to the academy as part of preparations for a Euro 2004 qualifying game next year.

"Sunderland AFC is fully committed to South Tyneside and the prosperity of the region as a whole."

Tim O'Leary, chairman of the Green Belt Action Group, urged the club to seek an alternative site.

"We are pleased the council has shown their support for the protection of the green belt. But, we have been here before, and we're sure they'll come back with an appeal or amend their plans again."