A SCHOOL has won permission to build a new games area, despite fierce opposition from residents and local councillors.

The artificial grass facility will be built at Lammack County school, Lammack Road, Blackburn.

People living near the school came to protest at a meeting of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s planning committee this week.

One woman, who told councillors she represented more than 70 objectors, claimed the facility would end up being rented out to the general public and cause traffic problems.

Other letters presented to the committee said the 37 by 18 metre pitch would attract gangs of youths and vandals to the quiet residential area.

They claimed the school’s playing field had been neglected and should be repaired instead.

Conservative ward councillors, including head of resources Michael Lee, also opposed the plans.

But a petition with 485 signatures from parents and children in favour of the facility was presented to the meeting, and the vice chairman of the school governors Sidiq Musa said no floodlighting would be used. He assured the committee the pitch would not be used by the general public.

Coun Salim Mulla said: “I think there are some issues with this proposal, but the school has been more than reasonable and willing to work with residents over this.”

Councillors voted to approve the plans after adding an extra condition about flood prevention measures.