A PRIVATE school has applied to improve its sports facilities.

Thorpe Hall School, in Wakering Road, Southend, has applied to Southend Council to build a new sports hall.

The building, which would be located in the north east corner of the school site, would be large enough for four badminton courts.

It would be built over existing tennis courts, but designed to allow a number of additional sports activities to be added to the school’s PE curriculum for pupils of all ages.

The land is classified as green belt, but the school argues the development represents special circumstances in being able to deliver a full and rounded curriculum to its pupils, including sporting activities.

The plan was submitted to Southend Council earlier this month and officers have until Wednesday, May 4, to deliver their decision.

Interested parties can comment on the application until Monday, March 7.