PLANS to construct a college complex in County Durham are expected to win approval next week.

The multi-million pound scheme, which includes a single-site campus for East Durham and Houghall Community College, has been recommended for approval when it comes before Easington District Council on Tuesday.

The project would replace the two outdated college premises in the Howletch and town centre areas of Peterlee.

It is to be constructed on the Howletch site, and when work is completed, will include a college building, extended sports hall, assembly buildings, all-weather floodlit sports pitch and a 227-bay car park.

Members of Easington's development control and regulatory panel will be told next week that the present Howletch college, which was established in a former 1960s school, is no longer able to suitably deliver its expanding curriculum.

Over the years, the college has established a growing and reputation for sporting tuition, but its success has also seen it outgrow its facilities.

In a report to the council's planning panel, it is revealed that the proposed building will front on to the town's Burnhope Way, with car parking provided to the north and rear of the existing college buildings.

The sports hall is to be expanded and will include a boxing ring and fitness room.

The town centre campus is to be sold, with the proceeds put towards the capital cost of the building project.

The venture is supported by Durham County Council and is also being backed by the Learning and Skills Council, which means that with adequate funding in place, work on the project will be ready to begin when planning approval is granted.

There have been some objections by neighbouring residents, but the go-ahead is likely on Tuesday when the council's head of planning and building control, Graeme Reed, backs the scheme, subject to a number of conditions.