Plans for outdoor forest school classroom approved
BBCPlans for a new forest school classroom to be built on a playing field in the middle of a town have been given the green light.
Fairfield Primary School in Cockermouth, Cumbria, has been given permission to build in the town's conservation area on a field across the road from the school's base.
Planning documents show the land, which is used as a playing field for the school, was underused because of the lack of shelter, storage and toilets, with children frequently having to be escorted to use facilities.
A number of residents raised concerns about the impact of the project on the heritage of the area and on traffic due to limited available parking.
One objector said: "I feel disheartened that the open vista of the field will finally cave to development."
Fairfield school said the classroom would be "solely for educational use to minimise inconvenience to the local neighbourhood", and it would offer its use to other local schools.
Residents said they were concerned about the impact on parking if other pupils were to be taken there to use the space.
One resident said: "Fern Bank is already a busy road with double parking from residents, therefore how is increased traffic and parking going to be accommodated, as Parkside Avenue is also very busy with little provision for extra parking already?"
Cumberland Council's highways department said it had no objections to the project and said vehicle trips were "expected to be low".
While the council received 13 letters of objections, 17 letters of support were also received by the authority.
Residents said the facility was "much needed" and the project would allow children to spend more time in the outdoor space.
A report by the council said: "We consider the proposed development to be a positive addition to the existing playing field and will provide school pupils with more opportunities for involvement in outdoor exercise, sport and active recreations."