VILLAGERS who feared their plans for a new sports complex could be ruined by the threat of flooding are on the verge of getting the go-ahead.

Council planners are expected to approve proposals for the centre, with changing facilities, to be built in Brompton, near Northallerton.

If the long-awaited approval is gained, it would mark the end of a saga which started more than a year ago, following the flooding crisis of last November.

Brompton Parish Council's plans were initially met with scepticism by the Environment Agency, which said the £125,000 centre would face major problems, as it was due to be built on a flood plain.

The agency's concerns led Hambleton District Council to put off making a decision - but councillors are now likely to back the project after seeing amended plans.

The parish council has re-submitted designs for the building, which would now be sited on higher land, within 8.5m of the main road through the village. The floor level of the building would also be raised.

The site lies on the edge of Brompton, between the school and the railway line, and is opposite a children's play area.

District council planning officer Helen Laws said: "The site lies within an area allocated for sports and recreation and therefore the use of the building as a sports and recreation facility is acceptable.

"The building itself lies close to the edge of the area, adjacent to the car park and the play area and, therefore, in terms of siting, is in an appropriate location."

The new building - which will include a function room, kitchen, office and garage - will be above the highest recorded water mark of last year's floods. Almost 50 car parking spaces will also be provided.

The application is due to be considered by the district council's planning committee when it meets on Thursday, at the Stone Cross Civic Centre, Northallerton