PLANS to alter the appearance of a village hall have hit a stumbling block because of the village's medieval history.

The plans involve altering the layout of the frontage of the hall at Liverton, near Loftus, east Cleveland.

The village hall committee has some millennium Lottery funds, and wants to move the doorway entrance and put in an open porch. There would also be a ramp for disabled access, along with seating and a small drop-off layby.

But Tees Archaeology says that Liverton is a well-preserved two row village, planned in the 11th or 12th Century.

It says it is one of the most complete survivals of its type in the North-East, and is now a conservation area.

The hall looks on to the village green, and Tees Archaeology says this is likely to have been occupied by a medieval farmstead - developing the site could disturb medieval remains.

There have also been objections from village residents who say they have safety concerns for children, and think the development would be detrimental to the conservation area.

Loftus Town Council has asked Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's planning committee, which meets to discuss the issue tomorrow, to hold a site meeting.