A HOUSING development on the site of Darlington Football Club's former Feethams ground has been given council approval.

Members of Darlington Borough Council's planning committee approved Esh Group's plans to build 146 homes on the former stadium site.

A late bid by former professional former Paul Bielby, Darlington FC supporters club member Doug Embleton and a third member of the public for the application to be rejected was turned down.

They believed the plans were not in accordance with the 1903 covenant on the land. However, they were told their request was down to civil law rather than planning law, and were instead urged to continue their fight through different channels.

Read the full story in tomorrow's Northern Echo