A row could be brewing as a school is in talks to secure permission to use an area of open land

Philip Morant School and Technology College, in Rembrandt Way, Colchester, said it has been speaking to Essex County Council about using the land adjacent to its existing playing fields.

But the move is likely to incur the anger of neighbouring residents who have said the 3.7 acre field should be bought by Colchester Council.

They say the land is the only open space in the area where people can exercise and children can play safely and it would be lost to the community if it was sold.

Philip Morant School has also been at odds with residents' groups in the past five years over its plans to buy another open space, at Painters' Corner, to build a new entranceway.

A spokesman from the school said it is in early consultations with the county authority and Colchester Council to see whether or not the new area will become available in the future.

Essex County Council, which owns the land, is currently looking at whether it is surplus to its requirements and if it could be released to another owner, he added.

He also denied the school has made any formal bid for the land at the moment.

But Irvine Road Area Residents' Association, which represents people living next to the field, said the land should not be handed over to Philip Morant School.

In its latest monthly newsletter, it said residents want the land to be given to Colchester Council so it can be dedicated as an open space for members of the public to use.

Published Tuesday November 5, 2002

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