A MULTI-million pound development which could safeguard the future of a North-East football club looks likely to be given the go-head.

The £12m plan to build a hotel and sporting complex alongside Darlington FC's stadium is being seen as the last hope for the future viability of the cash-strapped Quakers.

Planners at Darlington Borough Council have recommended that the scheme for the League Two club, which includes a 100-bed hotel, a pub and coffee shop, office space and training pitches, is recommended for approval.

The recommendation comes despite certain aspects of the development not complying with planning legislation.

However, planning officers have said the overall scheme will be of great benefit to the club and to the town.

Regional development agency One NorthEast has urged the council to ensure the club pursues the highest standards in the development of the site.

In the planning report to councillors, it states: "On balance, it is considered that although certain elements of the submitted scheme do not strictly comply with planning policy, the proposal as a package, which secures other environmental improvements and mitigation, will nevertheless provide a level of support to Darlington Football Club, which has been an integral part of Darlington's social and economic life for a century."

In the past, the club has said it needs to rely on non-football activities to keep it afloat and fund the costs of the playing squad and 25,000-seater stadium.

Last night, fans welcomed the planning officers' recommendation.

Andy Smith, from the Darlington FC Supporters Club, said: "This will not only be of benefit to Darlington Football Club, but the excellent facilities would be of great benefit to the town and surrounding area.

"If it gets the go-ahead, it will be tremendous."

If the application is passed, the football club will be subject to a number of conditions. These include payments of £79,000 to create an off-site wildlife habitat, £45,000 for a bridleway network, and money for enhancement to public transport facilities.

Up to 1,100 residents were notified of the application and only ten letters of objection were received.

One protestor wrote: "The club's present difficulties are the result of the ill-advised decision to build an enormous new stadium, way beyond what was needed, away from all the town centre conveniences of its previous location.

"It would be unforgivable to compound this error now by allowing the club and other interested parties to destroy the rest of this part of town forever in a financially-motivated attempt to make good the losses, which have resulted in that first bad decision.

"Two wrongs do not make a right; they make an even bigger, uglier wrong."

A spokeswoman for Darlington Football Club said: "The plans have been submitted and amended and we have had fruitful discussions with Darlington Borough Council."

The planning committee meets at 1.30pm, next Wednesday, in the club room at Darlington Arts Centre.

* Share your views about the £12m plans at Darlington FC's stadium via the form below.