A PROTEST group has re-opened the debate over Sunderland Football Club's academy plans.

Earlier this year the club was granted approval to build a training and youth development centre on narrow green belt land separating the city and neighbouring South Tyneside villages of Whitburn and Cleadon.

Environment Minister John Prescott granted conditional outline planning consent for the 50-acre-plus development on disused farmland at Whitburn Moor, after considering findings from a public inquiry last year.

But the Green Belt Action Group (GBAG), which opposed the development at the inquiry, have continued their protest, claiming the proposals confirm their worst fears.

Group chairman Tim O'Leary said it will lead to, "an unacceptable loss of openness, far greater than presented to the inquiry".

His concerns centred on security fencing and mounding that would surround the academy. He said it would form a further "visual barrier", and the planned tree planting would resemble a country park instead of a woodland finish.

"All these elements will have a devastating effect on the openness of the green belt at Whitburn Moor, which is currently very rural in nature."

Mr O'Leary urged the public to run the rule over the proposals, on display at South Shields Town Hall, and to voice concerns to the council.

Responding to the claims, the club said: "The plans have been prepared to ensure the sport pitches are situated within an attractive landscaped setting with the minimum loss to openness and we don't feel the character of the area will be adversely affected.

Landscaping proposals go before the council's development committee early next month