The plans for Bloxham School in the village of Bloxham near Banbury were set for decision at the Cherwell District Council planning meeting on Thursday, December 5.

Bloxham School applied for planning permission to add a new astro cricket pitch, five courts to be used for netball or tennis, installing 12 floodlights on the schools’ artificial pitches to allow pupils to play later in the evening and extending the car park to provide an additional 31 spaces.

The proposal also includes extending the front and rear of the Dewey sports centre for the provision of a larger gym, spectator gallery and new studio space on the first floor, as well as a reception, medical room and changing rooms on the ground floor.

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Previous plans to introduce 12 floodlights, extend the car park and relocate the long jump were rejected in 2018.

At the meeting, David Hingley, leader of the district council, requested that the decision should be deferred until a site visit can take place.

He said: “Given the planning history of this particular application, which has a history of withdrawal and refusal, and the noted impact on the area, I think it might be beneficial for committee members to go to the site to see if there is an impact on the area or if those impacts have been mitigated.”

While some councillors voted against the deferral, it was carried.

The plans received 52 letters of support and 33 objections.