PLANS have been drawn for a leisure park near Darlington.

Derelict land at a former brickworks near the TFM Arena could be revamped by Darlington developers Ward Hadland Associates.

The 12-acre site in Skipbridge, near Hurworth, could be transformed with mobile homes, a gymnasium, swimming pool, fishing pond, tennis courts and five-a-side football courts.

The plans have been submitted to Darlington Borough Council.

The brownfield site, a mile from the TFM Arena, also neighbours the site of a new equestrian centre.

Letters have been sent to residents outlining the plans.

Developer Eric Tweddle said: "There is a real need to clean up the site as it is an old, derelict brickworks and is something of an eyesore. The plans will turn it back into a greenfield site and will benefit people all over the North-East."

It is thought that residents are unhappy about the plans.

Local ward councillor Peter Foster said: "I haven't spoken to one person yet who is in favour of the site. There are a lot of people who happen to live right next door to this development, myself included.

"The access is onto a fast and dangerous road and we are concerned that it will create too much traffic."

Councillor Foster also questioned whether there was a need for another caravan site, with an established site in Neasham, only half-a-mile away.

The plans will be considered at a date yet to be set.