NEWCASTLE Falcons go into today's match at Harlequins boosted by the news that planning permission has finally been granted for their stadium development.

Although there were no serious worries, a few people were getting a little twitchy as the results of the public inquiry held in early December were expected several weeks ago.

Rob Andrew had warned that if the plans were not approved the club would have to relocate or fold, but now he can forge ahead with his dream of creating a rugby club to match the best in Europe.

John Parkinson, the Falcons' managing director, commented: "It has been a long haul but we are naturally delighted with the outcome.

"We are now determined to work closely with Newcastle City Council to ensure that we can implement our proposals as quickly as possible and deliver these long-awaited, world-class sporting facilities."

Because green belt land is involved there had been years of resistance from the city council, and when they were finally won over it was decided a year ago to refer the £8m plans to a public inquiry.

At the time it was hoped a new West Stand could be ready for September this year, but now the start of the 2003-2004 season looks more realistic.

The development of a 70-acre site is a joint venture between the Falcons, the Northumberland RFU and Northumbria University, whose Bullocksteads ground will be linked up to Kingston Park by the acquisition of eight acres of farmland.

A second show ground will be created, plus two floodlit all-weather pitches and a training shed, while the Bullocksteads clubhouse will be extended and there will be additional car parking and entrances.

Kingston Park's capacity will go up from just under 7,000 to the 10,000 required for membership of the Premiership.

That figure is a bone of contention which has helped to reignite the argument over whether there should be any relegation from the Premiership.

Leeds are making a far better stab at survival this season than Rotherham did last and have much better facilities, but under current rules they could swap places again if Harlequins manage to drag themselves off the bottom.

Andrew joined the debate in BBC's Rugby Special on Thursday night, although he stressed he wasn't saying anything new as he had never been in favour of relegation.

"We should have a franchise system," he said. "We shouldn't lose clubs like Harlequins, Leeds or whoever. If clubs have got the facilities, the players and the backing then maybe we could expand the Premiership."

Quins will be in dire trouble if the Falcons beat them today, and British Lions hooker Keith Wood is expected to return after a three-month injury absence for the home side. For the second successive season chief executive Mark Evans has taken over the coaching in a bid to get Quins out of trouble and they are showing signs of a revival, while the Falcons have gone into decline.

While Andrew is determined that most of his players will come through the academy, he is losing five senior men at the end of the season and is believed to have been sounding out a couple of props in France this week.

The Falcons are without centre Jamie Noon, who is with the England Sevens squad in Beijing and will be joined next weekend in Hong Kong by clubmate Michael Stephenson.

David Walder is fit again, which gives Newcastle the option of resting Jonny Wilkinson, although the England fly half was with the squad which travelled yesterday.

There is no rest in sight for Wilkinson, especially as Newcastle face a hectic end to the season now that they have rearranged their home match against Bath and London Irish for April 28 and May 8.

All the Premiership clubs are supporting Sport Relief this weekend, with players effectively being asked to pay to play. Sponsors Zurich have pledged to contribute £100 a try to the new charity, which is an off-shoot of Comic Relief run by BBC 1.

Darlington Mowden Park were last night awaiting confirmation that Richard Mangles is available to play in today's National Three North match at Sandal.

Either Mangles or Del Russell will deputise for unavailable lock Steve Sanderson, while Mark Wilkinson returns at centre as Durham University's Ollie Phillips is with England Under 21s.

Mangles has gone on for the last ten minutes in the last two games and Mowden are keen to find out if, at 26, he is finally ready to fulfil his potential.

Originally a Bishop Auckland player, he appeared in the Durham Colts team which reached Twickenham in 1995, alongside players who have gone on to appear in the Premiership such as Martin Shaw, Mike Wood, Jon Benson and Richard Horton.

After a couple of years out of the game, Mangles has been training regularly recently but occasionally has to work on Saturdays.

Darlington entertain Driffield in North One and bring in Joe Osleton at prop for Dan Miller, who was sent off on his last appearance for Durham Under 20s.

Although Mark Butler is available, he has to settle for a place on the bench as Tony Taylor retains his place on the wing