Acle Academy given permission for new multi-use sports pitch

The proposals will see a new multi-use sports court installed at Acle Academy as part of a wider plan to upgrade the school. 

Broadland Council has given its permission for the development on a section of the playing field, which will be fitted with three tennis courts and two basketball courts.

The plans include six-metre high netting to prevent balls from leaving the court and entering homes next to the school, however locals remain concerned about the impact of increased noise levels on vulnerable neighbours. 

The sports court will make use of a corner section of the school's playing field (Image: Google Maps)Speaking at the planning meeting on Wednesday, Acle councillor Lana Hempsall made an emotional plea to see the development refused.

She said that her mother-in-law, who lives next to the school, has Alzheimer's disease and would be sensitive to the increased noise levels from the sports court. 

She added: "To say that this area is surrounded by extremely vulnerable residents is an understatement.

"I do not wish to impede the progress of the academy as it is sorely in need of additional facilities, but this development will have an adverse impact on some of the most vulnerable people in this village."

Broadland councillor Lana Hempsall (Image: Conservative Party)READ MORE: Failed bid for major care home by the side of the A47 to be reconsidered

However, councillors deemed that the benefits to the school outweighed the development's potential impact on neighbouring homes. 

Councillor Bibin Baby said: "I am sorry for Lana's mother-in-law but there is already a playing field here and people making sound.

"These days, kids are always behind their computers and phones and we should be encouraging them to play sport. This is an opportunity for them."

Broadland Council voted to approve the application, which will see the court used by students between the hours of 8am and 6pm.