COUNCILLORS have approved plans to sell land for housing and invest the money into sports facilities.

Darlington Council stands to make £1.6m from selling additional plots of land at the former Eastbourne School site, off Hundens Lane, which is already undergoing development.

The extra land would accommodate 85 new houses and the £1.6m raised from its sale will be put towards improving facilities at Eastbourne Sports Complex.

This includes replacing the synthetic turf and lighting at the five-a-side pitches and replacing the running track.

In winning approval for the scheme, Cllr Chris McEwan described it as a “win win” situation as it will help reduce the shortfall in affordable housing in Darlington whilst boosting the sports centre’s facilities.