A ‘MASSIVE explosion in births’ has made an extension to a school in Bournemouth essential, a councillor has claimed.

Despite 41 objections, including one from Sport England, which has a policy of protecting playing fields, Bournemouth council’s planning board granted St Peter’s School, St Catherine’s Road, planning permission to erect a three-storey classroom block and new car parking area at its November meeting.

Cllr Malcolm Davies, ward councillor for east Southbourne and Tuckton, put his support behind the proposal.

“We know the problems the authorities have with the massive explosion of births and that this is essential,” he said.

“I think the residents realise that as well. That has been laid bare to them by the presentation by the school and us as councillors.

“I think the fact there are only 10 objectors for such a large development proves that people do realise education is a priority.”

Cllr Davies had to be corrected by other members of the board, who pointed out there were in fact 41 objections.

Chairman Cllr David Kelsey dismissed Sport England’s objection, adding: “Do they want our children to grow up educated or just physically fit? You can’t have both in this day and age and sometimes I think we have to put the education of our children first.”

Cllr Philip Stanley-Watts said: “Despite the sporting-led objections, I don’t think there will be any loss of sport on this site. So in seconding this move I would like to wish them all the best.”

Cllr Beryl Baxter, who abstained from the vote, said she found the application ‘difficult to consider’ and was concerned that an oak tree would be lost as a result of the development.

“If the school could accommodate it by working around the tree this would have been a little more acceptable to me,” she added.

“And I do get what Sport England are saying in their objections.”

Cllr Kelsey replied: “I am sad to see the tree go, but I am sure there will be plenty replacing this one.

“You know I like trees just as much as you do, but I don’t think we can hold up a development for the education of our children for the sake of one tree.”