A PLANNING application which could result in a £200,000 sports facility for a primary school has gone to the Secretary of State for approval.

If the application from Persimmon Homes, requesting permission to build 32 homes, is passed an agreement will be signed to benefit Mount Pleasant Primary School, in Clayton-le-Moors.

Hyndburn Borough Council's development services committee has approved the application to further develop the town's Sefton Farm estate but final consent must be given by the Secretary of State.

Coun David Myles, ward councillor, said: "It is fantastic news. I cannot see any reason why it would not go ahead now.

"This is a win-win situation for everybody."

The original planning application had asked for 28 houses to be built on the site.

A section of the land would then be available to be developed for a football pitch to be used by the school and the wider community.

But when the proposal was investigated it was discovered there were insufficient funds for drainage, fencing and maintenance of the pitch.

The application was then amended so the land would be used for an additional four properties.

If this is approved by the Secretary of State the developers will sign a section 106 agreement agreeing to fund leisure facilities to be developed within the school.

What the money will be spent on has yet to be decided by the school.

Miles Parkinson, school governor, said: "There will be on-going discussions as to what is best for the school.

"When the plans are passed the money will be held so there is no rush to decide.

"We have to weigh up what is the best opportunity as this is a massive investment for Mount Pleasant."

Options which are being considered include upgrading the existing grassed playing field which is used for sports, science and other projects at the school or replacing that facility with an all-weather football pitch.