A brand-new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) is set to be built at a popular primary school in Bromsgrove.

Lickey Hills Primary School and Nursery has been granted planning permission for the sports facility to be installed on its existing playing fields.

Staff hope the new proposals will provide a suitable outdoor play area for the pupils at the school that can be used during all weather throughout the year.

Business manager at Lickey Hills Primary School, Ben Dillon, said: “The MUGA facility will drastically improve the sporting offer available at Lickey Hills Primary School and Nursery.

“Previously in the colder and wetter months our playing field was quite unusable as we are on the side of a hill so the ground would get too boggy and wet to be safe to use.

“This led to all PE and sports being held on the playgrounds which is quite limited in opportunities for our children.”

The MUGA will not only offer the chance for pupils to take part in a range of sports and keep fit, but the design of the new facility will be in harmony with its location on Green Belt land.

The plans also include installing a suitable bird nesting box to promote biodiversity and enhance the ecology in the area.

Mr Dillon added: “With the new MUGA our children will have access to a fantastic facility all year round. We are optimistic we will be able to host sports fixtures and tournaments for schools in the future too.”

The plans have now been approved by Bromsgrove District Council who felt it would enhance the school facilities and improve opportunities for outdoor sports.

In the decision notice, the head of planning, regeneration and leisure services added: “The site is located within the Green Belt but there is an exception for the development of appropriate facilities for outdoor sport and recreation.

“The benefits of the proposal are considered to outweigh any harm.”