Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee will decide the fate of the Lazenby play area after a site visit on Monday.

Planning officers have recommended they approve the Lazenby Sports Project's proposals to create a floodlit multi-sport ball pitch and modular building on the site, but Tees Archaeology has pointed out that Lazenby was a former medieval settlement and that the site is therefore of archaeological interest.

The organisation has asked that a close eye be kept on the development, which could upset the remains of farmsteads that once occupied the clearing.

Seven letters of objection have been received from residents who believe the site is unsuitable for a sports pitch and suggest that the area be upgraded as a quiet haven for the village instead, with a sitting area and small playground for young children.

At the last planning meeting in May, councillors opted to visit the area before taking a final decision.

A report by a planning officer urges them to support the plans. It states: "The proposed building, a multi-sports pitch with floodlights and associated fencing, will undoubtedly alter the appearance of this open area. However, it is a play area and it is not unusual to find such facilities within areas such as this.

"Additional facilities within the village will, to some extent, reduce the need to travel outside the village to use similar facilities elsewhere."

Objectors have asked whether the facility will provide a positive function for the village, offering free services to residents.

If councillors approve the proposals they are likely to attach conditions, including that the building be vacated, with the floodlights off, by 9pm to minimise disturbance to residents.