PLANS to build a multi-purpose sports dome at South Craven School are currently on hold.

The Cross Hills academy school, graded 'outstanding' by Ofsted, has planning permission in place to build a multi-purpose air dome on the site of existing tennis courts at the Holme Lane site.

But more than a year after planning permission was granted by Craven District Council – albeit with a reduced hours of use wanted by the school – it is yet to be built.

The school has now applied for permission to extend the use of its two multi-use games areas (MUGA) and its Astro-turf for an extra half-an-hour during the week, and an extra three hours at weekends and bank holidays.

Headteacher, Dr Andrew Cummings, stressed the school remained thoroughly committed to providing quality sports facilities at the school and was currently looking at the best way forward.

He added a decision would be made in the next few weeks.

In its current application to Craven District Council, the school says permission for the MUGAs and long jump pits were given in 2009 and permission to extend their use to 8.30am to 9pm during the week, and from 10am to 2pm during weekends and bank holidays, was given two years later.

It says it wants to extend the use of the sports facilities further in order to meet demand, and in particular from the local community.

The report adds: "The facilities are currently hired out to the local community for sport activity uses only.

"The revenue raised by this process will continue to be used to secure the maintenance and management of the facilities, including repair and replacement of any sporting equipment as and when required."

It is proposed the facilities would continue to be used by the school during the day for sport, followed by the school and wider community use in the evenings and weekends.

An extra half-an-hour during the week would allow for setting up and clearing away by community groups, while three hours more at the weekends would make the facilities more appealing to sports groups.

The school says the proposals are not considered to have a significant impact on neighbours and adds there is sufficient parking at the school, so avoiding any highways issues.