A CONTROVERSIAL project to build an agricultural training centre on the outskirts of a village looks set to be rejected.

Councillors will discuss the plans for the facility on fields at Beacon Hill, Sadberge, near Darlington, at their next planning meeting on Wednesday.

Landowner and applicant John Littlefair has applied to build a 45-place educational establishment similar to another he runs in Hart Village, near Hartlepool.

Darlington area Pupils, aged from 13 to 19, would be taught subjects, including farming, construction, joinery and other practical courses.

The site would include facilities and rooms for teaching, including a poultry house, shed, stabling, workshops, as well as classrooms and office areas.

Planning officers have recommended to the council's planning committee to refuse the plans.

A report to the committee said the development was not in a good location because of a lack of travel options.

It added the applicant had not demonstrated that other places had been looked at.

The report said: "The proposal is located in the countryside and not the urban fringe and as such a development of this scale and size would have a significant impact upon the landscape and would detract from the character of this part of the countryside."

Several villagers objected to the project.

A total of 18 letters and 92 slips against it were sent to the council.

They said the land had never had buildings on, was in a rural location, would create major traffic problems and the site is green fields.

Leading campaigner David Lee urged villagers to attend next Wednesday's meeting.

He said: "Everyone is delighted with the recommendations. We realise it is up to the planning committee to make its own decisions.

"But I am surprised that it is recommended for refusal on so many grounds."

The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, and Sadberge Parish Council also opposed the development.

Mr Littlefair said: "I am a little disappointed at the recommendation of the report. We have seen how successful it is at Hart.

"I am surprised at the reasons because I thought they had been addressed."

He added he would continue to push forward with his plans if the committee upheld the officer's report.