A CONTROVERSIAL planning application to build an all-weather hockey pitch at a Darlington school will now be examined by a government department.

Carmel College first applied for permission to build the facility back in July 2015 but the process has been hit by a string of delays.

The application was deferred three times – the last being in January this year when inaccuracies were found in the plans – and now objectors have called-in the application.

This means that the government’s department for communities and local government will now examine the proposals, which could take up to 21-days.

Government officials will assess whether the application warrants being called-in or if it should go back to Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee to decide whether or not to grant permission.

From its inception, the plan to create a 101.4m long by 63m wide synthetic pitch with associated fencing and lighting has attracted strong objections from nearby residents.

More than 130 objections were sent to the council, with most stating that the facility will generate unacceptable levels of traffic, noise and light pollution.

Some residents are concerned that the pitch is intended to be a money-making venture for the school and others expressed alarm after it emerged that a senior council official had written to Carmel College’s headteacher confirming that the council would commit £100,000 to the scheme if approved.

One objector states in the planning report: “I am concerned about a council officer expressing full support for this bid and an offer of £100,000.

“This cannot be right.

“A bid from a third party is supported by the council in verbal and financial terms in advance of the application being subject to the full and proper planning process.

“This bid is highly contentious and even more so in the light of the cuts.”

Another states: “At present the cars that park in our road to go to the school is getting out of hand and if the scheme goes ahead it will make life unbearable in this part of Darlington, and there is also the disturbance to this residential area. Is it part of Darlington Council’s plan to destroy this part of the town completely?”

Carmel College’s headteacher, Mike Shorten, has previously stated that the pitch is needed to help pupils meet their full physical education potential.