Northamptonshire County Council has approved, subject to call in, the leasing of land at a Northampton school - one of many stages towards the development of sports facilities on the site.

Cllr Andrew Grant, county council Cabinet member for commercial management approved the granting of a 50-year lease of the land at Thomas Becket Catholic School to the company Playfootball.

Playfootball plans to develop sports facilities on the site, including all-weather pitches and a pavilion, which will include a gym and changing rooms. It will also provide the school with a running track and further sports pitches.

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But before the development goes ahead planning permission must be obtained from Northampton Borough Council.

Cllr Grant said: "The officers of the council do not have delegated powers to implement a joint arrangement between the council and the school and the Roman Catholic Diocese for the financial and management issues surrounding the new facility.

"Such an arrangement requires the approval of a Cabinet member. The Cabinet Member Decision meeting today dealt with the request by the school to the council as the local education authority and land owner to allow this project to progress to the next stage.

"This facility, if it receives planning approval, will be a major benefit to the School and to the community, by providing much-needed sports facilities."

(CD/JM)