COUNCILLORS are expected to approve plans to convert a former medieval settlement into a sports pitch.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee will decide the fate of the Lazenby play area, in Lazenby High Street, following a site visit on Monday.

Planning officers have recommended that they approve the Lazenby Sports Project's proposals to create a floodlit multi-sport ball pitch and a modular building there.

But when informed of the plans, Tees Archaeology pointed out that Lazenby was a former medieval settlement, typical of the 11th and 12th Century, and that the site was therefore of archaeological interest.

It 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 were also received from residents, who said the site was unsuitable for a sports pitch.

They claimed it already attracted teenage drinkers, and the facility would make this worse, and suggested that the area be upgraded as a quiet haven for the village instead.

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 back the plans.

It states: "The proposed building; a multi-sports pitch with the 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."

But those who object to the plans were sceptical, and have asked whether the facility would provide a positive function for the village, offering free services to residents.

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