PLANS to create a sports facility and playground are being recommended for approval - one month after a decision was deferred for architectural studies to be carried out.

Community leaders and youngsters in Red Hall, Darlington, hope the proposals for a multi-use games area on the estates are approved by councillors this week.

Council officers will recommend to the planning committee on Wednesday that the floodlit sports ground on land between Red Hall Primary School and Headingley Crescent should be given approval.

A junior play area would also be built on the site. There will also be a footpath and shelter.

As for the initial application, which was deferred last month, there has been just one letter in opposition to the plans.

Peter Boddy, head teacher of Red Hall Primary School, said the area would be too close to the school because of the risk of vandalism it subjected.

He said: "My greatest concern is the likelihood of arson attacks against cars on the other side of the perimeter fence and most worrying of all the school itself."

As a result of the successful archaeological survey, council officers have recommended that the plans be approved subject to a number of conditions.