Plans to build a three metre high perimeter fence around a Lancaster school have been withdrawn after residents complained it would turn a nearby field into "a prison".
Ripley St Thomas CE Academy wanted to erect the security fence to help safeguard pupils. garden fence panels
But the plans also included fencing off a nearby field which provides scenic views of Lancaster.
More than 80 objections to the plans went in, and Lancaster city councillor Abi Mills said including the field was "absurd and unnecessary".
Ripley school has now withdrawn the plans after listening to the views of the community.
The academy is expected to submit revised proposals for the fence at a later date, which they say will take into account the views of residents and those who use a nearby public footpath.
The field (pictured below) is next to the Ripley Heights footpath which connects Ashton Road to Lancaster Canal at Aldcliffe Road, close to the Haverbreaks estate and the railway line.
The fence would have consisted of new 3m high black facing mesh, 358 zenith fencing and associated gates.
In the planning application sent to Lancaster City Council, the school said the fence would have improved "their existing safeguarding requirements" and "secured their facilities, providing a more suitable environment for their pupils and staff".
Pictured below is the entrance to Ripley Heights footpath from Ashton Road, close to the school.
One member of the public said including the Ripley Field site was "completely unnecessary and obtrusive".
"This is an area of natural beauty and is looked on by residents, walkers along the canal, and visitors arriving on the train into Lancaster.
"It will destroy the view of the area and will make the field look like the external grounds of a prison.
"Whilst we fully understand the needs to appropriately safeguard the children of the school, this is an over-reaction to this requirement, and will actually place more people at risk than the current arrangements."
Pictured below is the view looking back at the field from the canal near Aldcliffe Road.
Councillor Mills of the Green group, who campaigned against the plans to include the field, said: "It will make the footpath look like a tunnel as well as spoiling the gorgeous views."
Catherine Walmsley, Executive Headteacher of Ripley St Thomas Church of England Academy, said: “Last school year, we reviewed our fencing around the site as there was need for improvement in several locations.
“A planning application was submitted on our behalf by our contractor at the end of July, but it was never our intention for the section of fencing on the Ripley Heights boundary to be so high. We apologise for any distress this has caused for people living locally and thank them for getting in touch to tell us their concerns.
“Since our return to school last week, we have withdrawn the planning application and are revising the proposals, taking into consideration the views of residents and those who use the footpath alongside school.”
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