A TWO-STOREY teaching block is to be built at Richmond School, despite objections.

The plan was approved by North Yorkshire County Council.

Chairwoman of the planning committee Heather Garnett had to intervene because of interruptions from the public gallery as members discussed the application for the science and technology building.

The committee approved the plan despite objections from Richmondshire District Council, the 20th Century Society, the local civic society, the National Playing Fields Society and 37 letters from neighbouring householders. Objections centred on the partial loss of a green area capable of being used for team games and the effect of the new block on the former girls' high school, a Grade II listed building which now forms part of the Richmond School campus.

The two-storey former girls' school, representing a pioneering design just over 60 years ago by Denis Clarke-Hall, is built of reinforced concrete with rubble walling, rendered panels and a flat roof.

Planning officer Victoria Perkin said the new block was similar to other two-storey buildings on the site and its design was sympathetic and would not affect the setting of the former girls' school. It would not be immediately next to the Clarke-Hall building.