PLANS for a fishing centre and nature reserve to revitalise derelict land could be rejected by councillors.

The Association of Teesside and District Angling Clubs has applied to Darlington Borough Council for permission to change agricultural land near Bishopton Mill, near Darlington, into a conservation area.

Under the proposals, the eight-acre site would feature a fishing lake, a smaller ecology pond and a car park.

The group was hoping to spend more than £100,000 on the area, turning it into a haven for wildlife and anglers.

Three years ago, the association transformed an eyesore site near Teesside Airport into a similar fishery, which is now known as Westgate Pond.

But the Darlington scheme has run into a series of objections, including those from nearby residents, who said the development would not be in keeping with the countryside area and that there would be an increase in traffic to and from the site.

There were also objections from Stillington and Whitton Parish Council, as well as the management at Teesside Airport.

Airport officials said there was a risk of bird strikes on the final approach and descent areas for runway 23.

The concerns have been echoed by Darlington Borough Council planning officers, who will recommend that councillors reject the scheme when they consider it at a meeting tomorrow.

They are worried that with only a narrow country lane providing access to the site, there could be serious traffic problems.

A report to councillors says: "Highways advice is that the proposal is not satisfactory and should be refused on grounds of highway safety.

"The traffic generated by the proposal would use a road which, by virtue of its function in the highway network, and its inadequate width and alignment, is considered unsuitable to accommodate the increase in traffic.

"The proposed development would be likely to encourage the parking of vehicles on the public highway, which would interrupt the free flow of traffic and prejudice the safety of road users at this point."