Air dome plans for South Craven School are re-submitted to Craven Council planners

The Cross Hills school aims to locate the facility on land to the east of its sports hall, which is currently occupied by tennis courts. It says the extra floor space created would enable the school to enhance its sports provision.

Last August, an earlier application for the dome was rejected by Craven Council planning officers. They agreed that while the structure would bring benefits to the school, it would also harm neighbouring amenities.

Residents concerned about the proposals had voiced fears over visual impact on the landscape, noise and light pollution, loss of trees, and potential flood risk issues.

Earlier this year, a spokesman for South Craven School said the air dome would provide space for a selection of pitches – three tennis courts or two five a-side football pitches or two netball courts.

She added that the dome would ensure that students would enjoy sports all year round, and not be restricted by bad weather.

The air dome will be made of a highly resilient fabric, which is light, strong, easily repairable, and fire proof.

The statement accompanying the latest application for the facility explains that the closest homes to the dome would be in Clayton Hall Road, about 29 metres away.

It adds: "This application is supported by the necessary information to show that the development will not have an unacceptable impact on the living conditions of the nearest residents in Clayton Hall Road, and that there will be a wider community benefit.

"The air dome would ‘tuck in’ close to the existing sports halls and Dales Building which limits the visual impact.

" A lighting assessment and two noise surveys are submitted in support of this application. These confirm there will be no demonstrable impact on the amenities of local residents."

The statement also notes that proposed hours of use for the dome will be 8.30am to 10pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and 10.30am to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays.