OBJECTIONS have flooded into council planners over a proposal to put up a ‘prison like’ fence around a Pedmore school playing field.

Pedmore High School has submitted an application to build a 2.4-metre (7.8 feet) high fence around the perimeter of its playing field to keep the premises secure and safe from anti-social behaviour that has been reported.

Numerous neighbours, however, have objected to the plan – saying the fence will look “unsightly” and make the school site look like a prison.

Residents living in neighbouring streets that back onto the school fear it could devalue their properties.

One objector said: “This application is totally unnecessary and would be like looking over a prison courtyard for all the residents.”

Another added: “A 2.4m high fence around the perimeter of the playing fields will not only be unsightly but will also have a prison-like feel, not giving students a positive environment.”

Bosses at the Invictus Education Trust which runs Pedmore High School, however, have said the fence is necessary to keep the school site safe and secure in modern times.

Martin Lopez, spokesperson for the trust, said: “The decision to apply for planning permission for a perimeter fence is purely down to safeguarding concerns and access to the school field.

“Although the main school campus is secure, the field can be accessed from Wollescote Park and other points, we are working with the council planning department to find a solution that ensures the school site is safe and secure for our students and to help prevent anti-social behaviour outside of school hours, which has been reported by our community.”

A meeting is due to be held at Dudley Council House (committee room 2) on Friday May 13, from 7pm to 8.30pm, for residents to discuss the matter with ward councillors.

Pedmore and Stourbridge East councillors James Clinton, Angus Lees and Ian Kettle said they have organised the meeting due to the number of complaints to date received regarding the plan.

To find out more or comment go to Dudley Council’s planning website and search for application number P22/0497.