A BID to build two extra classrooms to educate youngsters with special needs in southern Stockton has been backed unanimously.

Junction Farm Primary School, in Eaglescliffe, was given the green light for the new blocks, a “sensory room” and four extra car park spaces at the council owned site.

Deliberations were brief at Stockton Council’s planning committee on Wednesday as members backed the plan in full.

However, the go-ahead wasn’t given before a short debate over a wooden bollard and whether mowers would be able to get into the school’s grounds to cut the grass.

Councillor Mick Stoker asked whether the bollard was removable.

“All that concerns me is anyone can get in or out through the site,” he said.

And Cllr Lynn Hall added: “The bollard is like those bought by ward councillors to stop people parking on grass verges and you can get landlocked fields like Elm Wood with knee high grass – so it’s very important grass cutters can get in there.”

Officers explained access to the site would not be a problem.

The four extra parking spaces will cater for extra staff due to be drafted in and the spaces will be accessed via Abbeyfield Drive.