NEWCASTLE Falcons hope to convert council backing into planning approval as the North-East's premier rugby union side bids to extend its home ground.

Director of rugby Rob Andrew, the former England skipper, gave evidence yesterday on the first day of a planning inquiry into the Falcons' attempt to increase Kingston Park's capacity from 7,500 to 10,000, to meet Rugby Premiership stipulations.

The club wants to extend the clubhouse stand and put up three new grandstands, with associated floodlighting.

But the plan includes extending training facilities at Bullocksteads Sports Ground, adding a further 817 car parking spaces, 20 coach spaces and improving access.

Mr Andrew said it would create a "centre of excellence", which was vital in the development of the sport in the North-East.

He said the club was now playing at a professional level in "amateur facilities" which its sponsors and corporate backers would not put up for long.

But local residents oppose the development, citing already existing problems of noise and traffic disturbance on match-days with the 7,500 capacity.

Newcastle City Council approved the proposals with various attached conditions, earlier this year, but the inquiry is required as it is deemed development in green belt.

The hearing, expected to last three days, continues at Newcastle Civic Centre today.