COUNCILLORS are expected to support controversial plans for a pub to be built in a growing part of Darlington next week.

Pathfinder Pubs wants to build the pub near Alderman Leach Primary School, on the West Park estate, in Faverdale.

Overall, the £60m West Park development will see 700 homes created, together with shops, a village hall, doctors' surgery and the relocation of Mowden Park Rugby Club.

The pub is also seen as an integral part of the scheme, but its proposed location has sparked objections.

The matter will come before Darlington Borough Council's planning committee next Wednesday.

Council officers are recommending that committee members give their support to the proposals, despite the objections.

Letters of complaint have focused on the pub's proximity to the primary school and the likely increase in traffic.

Objectors said the site was completely inappropriate, adding they "did not wish children who attend Alderman Leach Primary School to be exposed to this culture on a daily basis".

Durham Police's traffic unit has also raised concerns, while the Environment Agency said it wanted to see a flood risk assessment included in the plans.

But a report to councillors says: "Government guidance suggests that moral objections to planning applications are not material considerations and do not carry weight in the decision-making process, unless there is some tangible land use or amenity impact arising from the proposed development which can be demonstrated."

It also says that the nearest residential properties are 125 metres away to the east on the High Grange estate and 350 metres to the west on the West Park site.

"At these distances, it is unlikely that the proposed public house would adversely affect the amenities of these properties, so as to warrant refusal of the application on these grounds," the report adds.