PLANS to lay a sports pitch at a Teesside school have been given the go-ahead, despite objections from neighbouring residents.

Councillors from Stockton Borough Council's planning committee have agreed plans for the all-weather floodlit sports pitch at Egglescliffe School, in Eaglescliffe.

At present, there are no playing pitches at the school and youngsters have to walk half-a-mile to the Allens West railway station for their PE lessons.

The school applied to the council for planning permission because they felt there was a need for an artificial pitch at the school to extend the PE curriculum, provide new opportunities for primary school PE lessons, and increase community sports provision.

However, residents got together to object to the scheme, claiming the facility would increase the noise from the school.

People also said it would lead to problems with parking and would probably increase anti-social behaviour, problems with litter, graffiti and vandalism.

Councillor Pete Andrews said: "This is an excellent facility, the houses are quite a distance away, but if you are going to live next door to a school you have to accept some noise. Schools are an essence of the local community and I think this is an excellent opportunity for people in the area, who will find it a useful asset."

The council had hoped to reassure residents by saying the pitch would be positioned approximately 40 metres away from the nearest houses, with fencing to act as a barrier to any noise.

They also believe the issue of anti-social behaviour and crime around the school grounds would improve because of the development, as there would be staff at the school after normal hours.

Councillor Keith Leonard said: "I think the scheme, as a whole, will benefit the people in the area and I am definitely all for it."

Some residents did back the plans, along with parents whose children attend the school.

They agreed it was a much-needed facility that will benefit the community and will keep children of the street.

They also said the area had very talented sporting youngsters who need this sort of facility without having to travel.