HYNDBURN planning chiefs have thrown out a plan to erect a steel security fence between a school and a housing estate.

The development services committee rejected an application by Lancashire County Council on behalf of Accrington Moorhead High School to put up the eight foot fence near Orange Street.

Objectors claimed the new barrier would be "overbearing and fortress-like" for people living near the school. But members of Hyndburn's development services committee voted to allow a similar fence to be built between Moorhead High and neighbouring St Christopher's.

They also agreed to write to county chiefs suggesting security should not come before environmental concerns unless it was vital.

Council leader George Slynn said: "We should seek security where it is absolutely necessary. But we should have an open gate policy where fencing would have a visual impact."

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