CAMPAIGNERS have fired the opening shots in their bid to stop further development of a controversial football academy.

A public inquiry began yesterday into Sunderland AFC's plans to expand its Academy of Light on greenbelt land at Whitburn Moor, near Cleadon, South Tyneside.

Part of the complex is already in use after a previous public inquiry.

But the club wants to add a full-size indoor football pitch, a 52-bed dormitory and a groundsman's shed.

The inquiry heard that, without a training barn, the centre would not gain academy status from the Football Association.

The proposals also feature a security fence around the site.

But residents from nearby Cleadon, backed by South Tyneside Council, say the developments will ruin what is left of the green belt that separates South Tyneside from Sunderland.

The council's legal team, with Tim O'Leary, of the Green Belt Action Group, argued that the fence was unnecessary and that the training barn could be sited away from the complex.

Villagers filled the hall in Chuter Ede Education Centre, Galsworthy Road, South Shields, to hear opening arguments put to planning inspector Martin Pike. The inquiry continues today.