Clavering Primary School in Hartlepool has been granted planning permission for a new two-metre-high security fence surrounding the school field and main entrance, despite objections from local residents.
The borough council's planning department approved the application, which the school said was intended to improve health and safety and "enhance site security and safeguarding measures for pupils, staff and visitors".
Safety concerns behind the proposal
A design and access statement submitted with the application said the existing timber wire fence posed "major health and safety risks due to the risks of trips and falls", adding that "visibility is minimal with it being tatted and bruised up".
The proposed fencing would be in line with Department for Education security guidelines, according to the statement.
Neighbour objections and council response
The plans drew around six objections across several rounds of consultation. Residents raised concerns about the future upkeep and management of the area between the proposed fencing and neighbouring residential boundaries, as well as the possibility of ivy and plant growth encroaching on adjoining gardens.
Some objectors also worried the fencing could affect, replace, or conflict with the boundaries of homes close to the school. One resident of Talland Close raised concerns over trees "restricting the light and overhanging into the garden" and called for a "clear and enforceable maintenance plan for the trees and boundary vegetation".
In granting approval, the council confirmed that a "suitable gap will remain to all existing residential fences/boundaries" and that "existing fences to residential properties are to be retained and will therefore not be affected by the proposed development".
Concerns about upkeep of the land strips between the fence and neighbouring properties were resolved, as finalised plans showed access gates to those areas for maintenance. The council's tree officer raised no objections, noting that "adequate provision has been made for the future management and maintenance of retained trees and grassed area".
The council's planning decision report concluded that the proposals would "not have an unacceptable adverse impact on the privacy and amenity of neighbouring properties as to warrant a refusal of the application".
More information is available on the council's planning portal under reference H/2025/0406.
