A faith school in South Bucks has won a high court battle against two councils, allowing them to remain in the area.

Residents and councillors in Stoke Poges have fought against the decision to base Khalsa Secondary Academy – a Sikh school - in the village since 2013, citing noise issues for residents.

Campaigners against the school, in Pioneer House, Hollybush Hill, also claimed there was no demand for another school in the village and wanted it to open in Slough instead.

South Bucks District Council opposed the change of use of Pioneer House from an office to a school and their decision to refuse approval was supported by a Planning Inspector following an appeal by the Secretary of State for Education.

But the then- Secretary of State, Eric Pickles, went against the Inspector’s recommendation and gave the school the green light.

After a long-running battle, SBDC and Stoke Poges Parish Council took the case to the High Court to get permission to challenge the Secretary of State’s reviewed decision, but their case was unsuccessful.

A statement from Khalsa Secondary Academy says they are “delighted” at the news.

It said: “This provides the much needed certainty for the pupils, parents and staff. We wish to thank all of the local community, parents, staff and pupils for supporting the school to this successful conclusion.

“We now look forward to commencing the full refurbishment of the existing site to allow us to provide world class educational facilities for our pupils and staff.”

A spokesman for South Bucks District Council said they were “very disappointed” that their challenge was not successful and will now have to “carefully consider” their options.

She said: “We have always acted to protect the interests of our residents and felt that we had a strong case. Indeed, the Judge granted us permission to bring a challenge, however, having considered the legal arguments, he did not agree with the Council’s substantive grounds for challenging the Secretary of State’s decision to grant approval for the school to continue.

“Our substantive grounds were that the Secretary of State misinterpreted guidance relating to the noise impacts from the school, failed to properly apply national Planning Policy and Guidance on noise issues, interpreted the technical noise evidence irrationally and failed to give adequate reasons for his decision.

“Next steps for us are to give measured and informed consideration to the full judgement and any decision will be made with the best interests of our residents in mind.”