CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a recreation centre at a Teesdale caravan park look likely to be approved.

Planning officers at Teesdale District Council have recommended approval for the centre at Cragwood Caravan Site, Ramshaw.

An application for a community centre was refused in July 2002 because it was felt the creation of a residential unit in open countryside was inappropriate.

However, the residential accommodation has been removed from the revised plans and the proposed building would accommodate a pool room, service area and function room.

Principal planning officer Trevor Watson writes in a report: "Other aspects of the design have been amended and the proposal is now reflective of the appearance of the recently constructed amenity block positioned immediately to the north west of the proposed building.

"It is considered therefore that design criteria have been satisfactorily addressed."

Teesdale's planning committee will discuss the application tomorrow in Barnard Castle.