Green light for new sports hall at Highcliffe School as residents object to height

HIGHCLIFFE School has been given the green light to build a new multi-use hall despite residents objecting to its size.

As reported in the A&T, the Parkway school applied to BCP Council in July to build the 1,100 square-metre hall.

It will be located to the north of the main buildings on a hard-surfaced area currently used as multi-sport courts, adjacent to car parking.

The school said it would provide extra space for exams as well as indoor facilities for activities such as badminton, netball, gymnastics and circuit training.

Eight neighbours complained to the council about the plans, with the majority citing its "excessive" 13-metre height in an area dominated by bungalows.

Some also criticised the design, which will be finished in a coated metal cladding, as “industrial”.

One wrote: "The excessive height far exceeds the indoor sports that are to take place. The height of the proposed structure will be detrimental to a residential area of predominantly bungalows and would dominate the landscape and in appearance would resemble an industrial park."

Another said the hall "looks like an air ship hanger in a residential area of bungalows".

One objector added: "The materials being used are not in keeping with a residential area and have no thought to neighbours' immediate outlook, quality of life and noise pollution."

There were also complaints about prospective noise pollution, increase in local traffic, reduction on local open space, and the removal of trees as part of the development.

Six trees – described as "low quality" by a tree and landscape officer – are planned for removal, with 24 planted as part of the scheme

There was one letter of support for the building, from a resident who did not live in the immediate vicinity.

He wrote: "I welcome the fact that the sport facilities will be inside as this should lead to more participation in sports at school."

The scheme will also add an extra 14 car parking spaces to the 84 on the site, and include additional landscaping.