Walsall school's sports hall plan approved

Castle Business Enterprise College wants to introduce the new hall as an extension to its existing building in Odell Road, Bloxwich.

The aim of the project is to improve facilities for pupils as the current ones are no longer classed as being fit for purpose for a number of the sports offered on the curriculum.

The approved extension, which has been backed by Sport England, will see a new sports hall, gymnasium, store and changing rooms introduced.

In the application, the school said: “The existing sports hall is inadequate for many sports. The application has the support of Sports England.

“An extension to the existing school building is to provide a new sports hall, gymnasium, store and changing rooms.

“Access into the building is essentially from a corridor link off the main building.

Improvement

“For means of escape and connecting the inside space to the playing field & sports pitches, ramped access is also provided to doors directly into the sports hall.

“No existing trees/hedgerows will be disturbed or removed in result of the proposed climbing frame & surface. This proposal will not increase pupil/staff numbers or effect existing school parking.”

Stuart Morgans, planning manager at Sport England, said: ” I have seen the school’s existing facilities and appreciate that a dedicated purpose designed sports hall will be a marked improvement from the use of the existing gym which is not really fit for purpose.

“I’m satisfied that the erection of the proposed sports hall will not materially reduce the playing capacity of the playing field.”

Walsall Council’s head of planning Alison Ives, said: “Walsall Council seeks to work proactively with owners, developers and their agents in the public interest to promote sustainable developments in the borough.

“In this instance the council has been able to support the proposed development and has worked with the applicant.”