A SCHOOL playing field is set to be sold off for housing development.

Part of the playing fields at Darlington's Longfield Comprehensive School are to be put up for sale.

The 17,991 square metres of land, including the hockey pitch and running track, have been deemed surplus to the school's requirement by Darlington Borough Council.

Sport England agreed to the decision to sell the land because the pupils will be able to use facilities at Eastbourne Sports Complex.

At a meeting of the council's cabinet Coun David Lyonette said: "We had been getting complaints about the facilities and the site at the school.

"Everyone seems to be happy with the new facilities at Eastbourne."