ENGLAND international Adam Lallana has secured planning permission for a controversial sports pitch built in his garden, despite opposition from his neighbours.

Neighbouring residents at Avon Castle Road, Ringwood, argued the multi-use games area and zip wire were inappropriate in their “special character area.”

Robin Grey was one of eight objectors, claiming: “Most of the residents of Avon Castle have been here for decades and the idea of having a recreational park in their quiet neighbourhood is not in keeping with the character of the development.

“By its very nature it will prove to be a noise hazard for the neighbourhood and will undermine the special character of Avon Castle.”

But under planning rules, only the height of the basketball hoop supports and the metal supports at the end of the zip wire required permission – the rest of the play and sports equipment is permitted development.

And planning officers warned that if councillors refused the application, Mr Lallana could simply reduce the height of the enclosures to two metres. They would then have lost the opportunity to require the Liverpool midfielder to carry out landscaping and other mitigation works.

Councillors on East Dorset’s planning committee approved the application on Tuesday. Cllr David Shortell proposed approval, saying Mr Lallana had responded to residents’ concerns.

And Cllr Robin Cook said: “I understand the discontent but the issue is getting clouded. It is nice to think we have young people playing outdoors instead of bent over screens all the time.”