A Wirral neighbourhood is battling to prevent construction of a school sports hall right on their doorstep.

Plans for the sports hall at Great Meols Primary School triggered a 50-name petition opposing the venture and a dozen objections from local residents.

Objections ranged from the out of character nature of the proposed building and claims of traffic dangers, to night time disturbance worries and fears of driveways being blocked.

The site, with an entrance in Elwyn Road, is surrounded by residential properties, but there is off-street parking available within the school, which will be retained.

Planners acknowledged use of the hall outside school hours would increase activity at the site, but at a time when the demand for parking had reduced.

They insisted that the scheme, which includes relocation of store buildings, would promote health and well-being through sports and recreation.

A report to next Thursday’s meeting of Wirral planning committee advised: “If neighbours were to experience noise or light pollution there is environmental health legislation to deal with this.”

Recommending approval for the proposal, planners concluded it was acceptable in scale and design and was not considered to harm the character of the original building or the surrounding area.

The report states the sports hall would have the potential for community use.