A DECISION on plans for an indoor soccer centre has been deferred because of concern about the future of allotments on the site.

Northern League Durham City FC wants to build the centre near its New Ferens ground, at Belmont, along with industrial units, a pub and a hotel.

It originally proposed outdoor soccer pitches. Its plans were refused planning permission by Durham City Council because of concerns that the scheme would take up open space and that the allotments would be lost.

However, the club went to appeal and overturned the decision after a public inquiry.

One of the conditions laid down by the planning inspector was that the club relocated the allotments to another part of the site.

The council's development control committee was due to make a decision on the scheme, but agreed to defer a decision so the allotments issue could be looked at in more detail.

The Belmont Allotment Club has objected to the scheme, raising fears that some allotments will be lost in the relocation.

Belmont Parish Council is backing the club, saying that the full number of allotments should be retained.

The club's plans earmark land north of the existing allotments for the new gardens.

A report to the development control committee said that 13 allotments were used, while the remainder were abandoned and overgrown.

"In an effort to accommodate the existing users, and allowing for a reasonable future demand, the applicant has identified space for up to 19 plots in the relocated area,'' it said.

The report, which recommended that approval be given, added that the plans for the relocated allotments met "the planning tests of both reasonableness and acceptability''.

The club's development proposals have been welcomed by Sport England and the council's economic development unit