A HIGH school in Waterfoot which has raised almost £1million to pay for a new sports hall is to appeal against a council's decision to refuse planning permission.

Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, in Glen Road, is raising money to replace its gymnasium, which provides only limited facilities.

More than £700,000 has already been pledged by private sponsors for the new facility, which will have a three-storey classroom development attached to it. But the plans were knocked back by councillors at a meeting of Rossendale council's development control committee on Thursday because of concern from nearby residents about the nearness of the proposed hall to houses.

Emma Gauntlett, the school's director of development, said: "We will go to appeal. The headteacher is writing to parents to reassure them there will be sports facilities at the school."