PLANS to develop playing fields at a special needs school are set for approval -- despite fears that the facilities would be unsafe for pupils.

Tor View School, Clod Lane, Haslingden, wants to provide a sensory learning facility for its pupils with a wildlife pond, a boardwalk, dipping platform, interlinking paths and a large play area.

Lancashire County Council plan to supplement the development with tree planing and aquatic planting. Any water features will be made secure with perimeter safety fencing along the waterside pathways.

Rossendale Borough Council has received two letters of objection noting the development would encourage vandalism at the school, be unsafe for pupils and could lead to an overflow of water on adjoining land.

But the school, which caters for pupils aged between four and 19 with learning difficulties, feels the sensory facility would benefit the children.

Stuart Perigo, of Lancashire County Council's planning department said in a report to Rossendale Council: "It is not considered that the development would give rise to any increase in vandalism and the pond area would be fenced to protect children from the dangers of a standing water body.

"An outlet overflow to the pond is indicated with a suggestion that a connection could be made to highway drains.

"To ensure that the overflow does not present problems to the adjoining land owner, details of the proposals for the overflow and disposal of water can be addressed by condition."

The plan will be discussed at Wednesday night's development control committee meeting.