A SCHOOL that saw its request to retain an “overbearing” dome above its tennis court thrown out by the council has revealed its intention to appeal the decision.

Holmer Green Senior School, on Parish Piece, in Holmer Green, said it will seek to overturn Buckinghamshire Council’s refusal for retrospective planning permission for a so-called “air dome” covering a sports area on site.

The news comes after the school previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) in December it was “exploring all options”.

READ MORE: School hints fight to retain ‘overbearing’ sports dome is not over

A school spokesperson said facilities such as the dome could be useful in ‘supporting the physical and mental wellbeing of young people throughout the pandemic’.

The school installed the controversial ‘temporary’ feature claiming it would provide additional indoor space for exams, breaks and lunchtimes, PE classes and social distancing.

However, council officers determined the structure’s benefits do not outweigh its harms – and Cllr Julie Burton said its foundations were dug “before the impact of Covid was even known”.

READ MORE: ‘Overbearing’ sports dome to be REMOVED after failure to get planning permission

The dome also prevents natural light from reaching Holmer Green Infant School to an “unacceptable level”, while casting ‘glaring sunlight’ into neighbouring properties, according to council documents.

After councillors voted not to grant retrospective planning permission, the school could see the dome taken down.

A spokesperson for Holmer Green Senior School said: “We have naturally been disappointed by the decision of the planning committee and have been considering our options since.

“The current lockdown in England has been our immediate priority to meet, which has rather taken over many other events.

“We do however aim to appeal the decision as it is obvious there will be an even greater need for facilities to support young people’s physical and mental health.”

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