PLANS to build a new home for a police dog section go before councillors tomorrow.

Durham Police hope to secure planning permission to create a dog training centre on the outskirts of Spennymoor, County Durham.

Proposals include a kennel block with 50 pens and an external run at The Barns, on Green Lane Industrial Estate.

The complex would replace the force's nationally acclaimed training base at Harperley Hall, near Crook, which it has to leave because of redevelopment plans.

The new facility would house the force's dogs during training and while handlers are on holiday, and those of other groups such as prisons taking a training course.

Dogs would be taken to sites such as theatres, shopping malls and farms for training during the day.

If approved, the main building on the site would be renovated and used as an office and classroom, and a garage would be used for storage.

Several run-down outbuildings would be demolished for a car park.

Planning officers at Sedgefield Borough Council are recommending that councillors approve the plans.