A school in Maldon could be facing a £30,000 repair bill for its crumbling tennis courts after plans to sell it off for homes were scuppered.

Maldon District Council refused planning permission for houses to be built on the site at Upper Plume School on the corner of Fambridge Road and Park Road despite officers recommending approval.

The school wanted planning permission for the site to make it more attractive to prospective buyers.

It was hoping proceeds from the sale would help boost funds they could use to improve their sports facilities because the tennis courts had not been used for years and were in a poor state.

But councillors agreed with residents who were concerned about the loss of recreational space and the proposal was thrown out.

Head teacher at the school, Sarah Dignasse, said the school was disappointed by the decision which leaves them with little choice but to pay out for expensive repairs.

She said it would be difficult to sell the land if there was no hope of being able to build on it or develop it in any way.

"We wanted to do this because we wanted to create more facilities recreationally for the pupils. It will cost us £30,000 to restore the tennis courts to a usable state and even then they will not be used because there are other facilities for the pupils to use.

"As far as I am concerned that is the amount of money it would cost for a new teacher at the school which would be a far better use," said Miss Dignasse.

She said the decision meant hopes of better recreational facilities for pupils now hung in the balance. The school's finance committee will discuss its next move when it meets on Thursday, July 6.

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