Plans for the creation of a 40-place alternative provision school in Carlisle have been approved, in the face of opposition from Sport England.

Cumbria County Council’s development control committee voted in favour of approving plans for the construction of a new alternative school for young people who are unable to attend mainstream schools for academic, social or emotional reasons.

Sport England raised an objection, arguing that building on the vacant Edgehill Road site did not accord with national planning policies, which state that existing open space, sports and recreational buildings and land should not be built on unless an assessment has been undertaken and demonstrated “clearly” that the open space was surplus to requirements.

Both Cumbria County Council and Carlisle City Council disagreed, stating that there was suitable sports and playing field amenities close by, including that at the Carlisle Sports Campus directly opposite the land.

Committee member and councillor for the Castle division in Carlisle, Alan McGuckin, said

that the land in question had for many years been “scrubland – just a parking area”, and noted that Keenan Park was close by.

“I can’t think of any area in Carlisle which has got better sports facilities than that area of Harraby,” he said, pointing in particular to the sports campus across the road.

“This alternative provision is needed, is welcomed, and will be an advantage for many disadvantaged children,” he said.