PROTESTORS against the site of a proposed football stadium were claiming a "victory" last night after a council announced it would be looking at the plans again.

The plans for the 25,000-seater stadium, at Neasham Road, Darlington, will go back before Darlington Borough Council's cabinet and planning applications committee.

The Neasham Road Action Group is being represented by a London law firm in a legal fight claiming the council would be contravening European law on human rights by giving the stadium the go-ahead.

They say the issue is the impact the stadium - to be the home for Darlington Football Club - would have on the traveller community living on the caravan site only 40 yards from where the ground would be built.

Campaigner Janet Mazurk said: "This is a victory for us.

"We have told them that if the plans go ahead, we will be seeking a judicial review.

"If the plans go ahead, they will be sued by us."

Luke Raine, PR director at Darlington FC, said: "Fans can rest assured that, even if it does take longer for the stadium to be built, it will be built.

"It is frustrating for us and for them, but we are confident about the outcome."

A council spokesman said: "The council has always dealt with the matter in an even-handed and appropriate manner, and to ensure that all due processes are complied with it is referring the matter back to cabinet and the planning applications committee.

"By doing this the council ensures that the legal issues are addressed and all procedures are strictly adhered to."

The cabinet meeting, to be held on August 29, will be held in private, but the planning meeting, on September 6, will be open to the public.