PLANS to build a new sports pitch at a local primary school have been approved after Sport England originally objected to the plans.

An application for work to take place to the rear of Thurgoland Primary School was submitted to the council in June.

The scheme is for the use of school children only and will only be in use at term time and during school hours.

The application seeks permission for a multi-use games area (MUGA) and would be constructed on the current field at the rear of the school.

The fields are not currently usable all year round due to health and safety concerns.

Therefore, the school submitted this application to allow the children extended space for activities all year round.

Sport England, and a number of residents, had objected to the plans - but the former removed their objection after speaking with the school.

A report said: “Dialogue was opened with Sports England as initially they opposed the scheme as they wanted to open the site to the public after school hours and wanted flood lights to be installed.

“However, the applicant explained that the site is only to be for school usage at school hours and does not intend to open it up to the public.

“The applicant also provided evidence to confirm that they understood that the new artificial pitch would require additional maintenance and a sinking fund to maintain the site.

“The applicant has taken measures to prepare for this.”