School plan put on hold after neighbours object (From Hereford Times)

Blackmarston School plan put on hold after neighbours object

11:22am Tuesday 17th July 2012 in County

HEREFORD's Blackmarston School faces a nervous wait as plans to build a vital extension are put on hold.

When Blackmarston School, of Honddu Close, Hereford, requested planning permission in February this year for a building to replace three sinking portable buildings currently used for teaching, it was not expecting objections.

However, the council received three letters of objection from neighbours, and despite a petition of 1,251 signatures supporting the build, staff and students have been left in limbo.

The application was deferred so Sport England could be contacted and has now been recommended for refusal due to the impact it could have on neighbours.

Sport England, the government agency responsibile for protecting playing fields, is due to object to the application unless the build complies with its criteria.

Councillor Graham Powell, cabinet member for education and infrastructure on Herefordshire Council, said: “It is disappointing that the application has been deferred.

“The school is already oversubscribed, so the accommodation issues the school face are immediate.”

The application is due before the council planning committee tomorrow (Wednesday July 18).