AN independent school’s plans for a new sports hall at its grounds on the outskirts of Newton Abbot have been given the green-light by planners.

Submitted by Stover School, 23/02139/MAJ sought permission from Teignbridge District Council (TDC) for a new, multi-purpose sports halls.

And TDC have granted planning permission.

‘The development hereby permitted shall begin before the expiry of three years from the date of this permission’, the council said in its decision notice, which was published on October 7.

The application, submitted back in 2023, also sought permission to demolish several temporary classrooms, replacing them two, permanent buildings, as well as enhancements to both Park House and Clock House and provision for general landscaping.

The design and access statement for 23/02139/MAJ outlines some of the key benefits of the now approved project.

The project ‘improves the educational experience of school pupils; resolves operational issues currently experienced due to poor quality temporary buildings; future proofs the school as a good custodian of the estate; restores many landscaping features that align with observations set out in Stover Park Plan and supports further engagement with the local community and supply chain’, the statement says.

Stover’s proposal received several contributions of support.

‘The proposal of the sports hall will provide a much needed sports facility to the local community’, said one supporter.

‘Supporting investment and development in education is essential to our national interest and Stover is one of the best examples of how a school should be; it deserves to flourish and succeed now and for future generations of pupils’, said another.

For read more about the application, visit Teignbridge District Council’s planning portal and enter ‘23/02139/MAJ’ into the search-box.