PLANS to transform a former sports hall into a complex of affordable homes have been unveiled.

Richmond Sports Centre, in Lyons Road, closed in 2004, despite widespread objections from residents.

Tees Valley Housing Group now wants to convert the centre into flats.

The housing association has submitted a planning application to the district council for six two-bedroomed and six one-bedroomed flats.

The firm is also proposing to demolish the adjacent building, once used by Zetland Harriers, and construct three two-bedroomed houses.

Planning officer Brian Hodges will recommend to councillors that the application is approved when they meet next Tuesday.

He said in a report that the development would give the site new life, adding: "The conversion scheme has been carefully designed to respect the character of the building, as well as to reflect its surroundings."

Planners say the scheme will meet an identified need for more affordable housing in the town.

However, 15 residents living near the sports centre have written to the council objecting to the development.

Several feel the density of the housing is too high.

Concerns have also been raised about inadequate parking, pedestrian safety and the design of the development, which they say is not in keeping with the nearby Garden Village conservation area.

Richmond and District Civic Society is also objecting to the scheme.

But the development has the support of English Heritage.

John Clarke, chairman of the group's planning sub-committee, said in a letter: "We feel that this existing building is inappropriate for conversion into flats on two levels.

"To enable light and ventilation to penetrate the ground floor flats, it is necessary to puncture the massive stone wall to Gallowgate, thereby ruining the historic heritage of this boundary wall."

The letter continues: "We also object to three houses, which are of no architectural merit and completely lack consideration of the surrounding housing in the area.

"We appreciate that the proposal is for a housing group, but feel the whole site should be re-evaluated and appraised."

The district council sold the former sports centre to the housing association last year