RESIDENTS have been blasted for complaining an extension to a school in Bournemouth may result in increased noise.

Epiphany Primary School, in Shillingstone Drive, submitted a planning application to build a conservatory on the northern side of the building to host breakfast and homework clubs.

However, some residents of nearby Sandringham Close complained the positioning of the structure’s doors could result in additional noise.

Philip Pope, who lives on the road, said it mainly comprises of family homes and he was already unhappy about ‘excessive noise’ from keep-fit and karate classes held in the school hall.

“We feel this extension could be materially harmful to the residential amenities of nearby residents,” he added.

“We fear not being able to sit peacefully in our gardens.”

Mr Pope was supported by Muscliff ward councillor Derek Borthwick, who said the potential increase in noise could prove an ‘inconvenience’.

“At the present time the application is for the entry doors to be placed in Muscliffe Lane which directly face the residents’ properties,” he added.

“The residents feel with the doors directly facing their properties, when the doors are open, which may be often in the warm weather, to allow the children to use the room in comfort, this will allow the noise to travel directly into their properties.”

However, ward councillor Anne Rey insisted the new building will have no impact on residents at all and finds the complaints ‘incredible’.

“This is not a school that wants to open until 10pm or 11pm,” she added.

“This is for children to stay at school, be kept safe and occupied until quarter to six in the evening.

“Quite honestly I just find it incredible when people go and live near a school, airport or railway station and then worry about noise and parking.”

School governor Chris Burge said 145 signatures had been collected in support of the plan, including from residents of the surrounding roads.

He added: “The main events here will be a bit of colouring and some homework – it’s not discos, it’s not karate or keep fit classes so the level of noise will be minimal.”

Planning permission was granted by the planning board unanimously.