PLANS to build a new sports hall at a Rossendale school look set to be approved despite objections from local residents.

Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, in Glen Road, Waterfoot, wants to build the two or three-storey hall to address its shortage of sports facilities.

It would also mean the dining room, which is currently too small for the number of pupils at the school, could be moved into the existing sports hall. The current dining room would then be turned into a new sixth form centre.

The school's planning application is due to be decided by members of Rossendale Council's Development Control Committee on Thursday.

Borough planning authorities have recommended that the plans be approved despite receiving letters from residents living near the school opposing the development.

The objectors are concerned that the new building will result in a loss of privacy and a loss of light for their properties. They also believe it would be over-dominant and would create additional noise and disturbance and more traffic in the area.

But in a report to the committee planning officers state: "It is considered that the application is acceptable on amenity grounds. The concerns of residents are acknowledged. However, on balance it is considered that the site would be able to accommodate the development without causing an unacceptable level of harm to the area or to residents' amenities."

The report states that the hall will only be in use between 7.30am and 6.30pm and officers believe this addresses the concerns raised about the potential increase in noise and disturbance for people living nearby.

In August 2000 the school was granted permission for a new sports hall and link with the existing gymnasium but a shortfall in teaching facilities was identified by the school and the education authority and the old plans no longer meet the school's requirements.

The hall outlined in the new plans will not be linked to the other gym and will also include two additional classrooms to help address this shortfall.