PLANS for a major expansion of sports facilities in Durham have been met with opposition by campaigners concerned about the greenbelt.

Durham University is planning a £35million investment in its sports facilities at Maiden Castle, which has been backed by sports clubs from across the city and County Durham, as well as 16 national governing bodies including the Football Association, Lawn Tennis Association, Rugby Football Union and British Rowing.

However, the proposals also been met with opposition by some residents, as well as Elvet residents’ association, Whinney Hill Community Group, the City of Durham Trust, the Durham City Neighbourhood Planning Forum and the Campaign to Protect Rural England and there have been calls to look at other sites elsewhere in the city.

The new facilities would treble the floorspace at Maiden Castle, which is on the A177 between Durham and High Shincliffe, and would include indoor tennis courts, a 12 court sports centre capable of hosting high level sporting events, a five-lane cricket hall and new gym.

The development, which would be in front of the current centre, is part of Durham’s green belt and opponents say the size of the new building will have an adverse impact on the landscape and views on the approach to the city.

Richard Cowen, chair of Durham CPRE, said: “It is inappropriate development in the Green Belt and it would significantly and detrimentally affects the openness of the green belt.

“While we would welcome the university providing a top class sporting facility - and no doubt the council is of the same opinion - we do question whether it has to be all on one site when others may be available where the environmental impact would be considerably less.”

University pro-vice chancellor Owen Adams said: “Our existing sports facilities at Maiden Castle are very popular, hosting 15 community clubs and engaging more than 2,000 local residents each week, and there is a clear need to expand what we offer. This will be of benefit to university staff, students and the wider community alike.

“We understand concerns to preserve the green belt but we believe in our submission to Durham County Council we have demonstrated the very special circumstances required to allow development, including the absence of alternative sites and the need to concentrate facilities on a single site.”