PLANS for a major outdoor leisure facility in Newton Aycliffe are back on track after a successful appeal by developers.

The proposal for a riding school, golf driving range and fitness trail, together with a putting green and pony trek trail, looked to have been sunk when Sedgefield Borough Council refused it planning permission last year.

The main concern was over the proposed access route off the A167, which it was feared would increase the number of accidents.

The proposal also resulted in 26 letters of objection from local people, which included concerns over potential flooding problems.

The facility will be on land at Woodham Bridge on the outskirts of Woodham. The ill-fated Newton Aycliffe equestrian centre, which also suffered because of access problems, was sited at the north of the development site.

Constructors Willmott Dixon lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate, which has overturned the council's decision and granted outline planning permission.

Some members of Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee are now planning to protest to the inspector.

Coun Bob Fleming said: "The inspectors should accept responsibility for the accidents that will inevitably happen on that stretch of the A167."

But Inspector Peter Walker dismissed their fears, saying: "There is concern about highway safety on this length of road, but the accident records do not suggest that these are outside the norm."

Mr Walker added the proposed access, including a protected turning lane and deceleration lane, met all necessary design standards.

He also said the concerns of residents in connection with the flooding risk were unfounded.

Willmott Dixon's David Salkeld said: "We are obviously delighted that having exercised our rights under the planning system, approval has been allowed under appeal.

"Our next step is to find suitable operators to work with us to bring an appropriate range of facilities which meet the growing needs of the people of Newton Aycliffe.