School sports area approved despite objections

Plans by a Sheffield school to build a second multi-use games area on its grounds have been approved despite opposition from local residents.

Ecclesall Primary School aims to create a 45m by 30m (147ft by 100ft) games area along the eastern boundary of the school site, next to properties on Edale Road.

The plan sparked objections from members of the local community, who raised concerns about potential drainage issues, increased flooding risk and the loss of natural biodiversity.

Councillor Laura Moynahan said the city council's planning committee had received "significant reassurances" from experts and supported the application.

Ann Blanchflower, representing a local group, said flooding had already been a problem for nearby residents and the development made some homeowners anxious, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Ms Blanchflower described the application as "irresponsible" and "unacceptable" and warned it would permanently destroy the natural grass field.

Councillor Tony Downing questioned officers on whether they were confident the proposed underground infrastructure would effectively manage excess water and prevent flooding.

He was told that the design engineer had provided assurances, supported by calculations, that the system would function as intended.

Additional water storage had also been built into the infiltration structure as a precautionary measure.

Before the vote, Councillor Richard Williams asked whether the games area would improve flood protection for nearby residents, and was told "that's correct".

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North