THE future of a proposed £1m, Olympic-standard velodrome appears to be in doubt after an objection from Sport England.

Middlesbrough Borough Council has already given permission to build the velodrome as part of a new £18m Sport Village off Marton Road and Ladgate Lane.

But now it has been reported that Sport England has lodged an objection because the venue could lead to a loss of playing pitches.

The threatened playing pitches were formerly part of Teesside Tertiary College. However that college merged with Middlesbrough College two years ago and they have not been used by any institution since.

The council has approached Sport England to request the objection be removed, but there has not yet been any response. If Sport England does not withdraw the issue would eventually be referred to the Secretary of State.

Work was due to being on the 250-metre velodrome later this year and it was hoped it would be opened in the spring.

When permission was first granted in March, Tony Hodgson, chairman of British Cycling North East Region, welcomed the move, pointing out that elite and youth cyclists from the region currently have to travel to Manchester or Glasgow for a high standard velodrome.

The new athletics track and temporary changing rooms will be finished by the end of the month, with the new sports hub building, associated external sports facilities and sports car parking opening in April 2015.

The plans have already been amended once so the velodrome could be moved further away from housing.