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

The proposal for a riding school, golf driving range, fitness trail, putting green and pony trek trail, looked to have been doomed when Sedgefield Borough Council members refused 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 on the road.

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

The centre 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 to the north of the site.

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

Inspector Peter Walker dismissed road safety fears raised by the highways authority, Durham County Council.

He said: "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 said the proposed access, which includes a protected turning lane and deceleration lane, meets all necessary design standards.

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

Willmott Dixon's David Salkeld, director of Camtech Properties, said: "We were disappointed that the original application was refused because this was something to which Sedgefield Borough Council and the Highways Agency had no objections, but which was overruled by Durham County Council.

"We are obviously delighted that having exercised our rights under the planning system, approval has been allowed under appeal. In particular, we are pleased to have gained permission for the first time for an access point off the A167 trunk road.

"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.