CONTROVERSIAL plans to erect a 6ft fence around school playing fields have been put on hold.

The proposal would see a fence erected between homes in West End Avenue, Harrogate, and playing fields belonging to Harrogate Grammar School.

At present, there is open access to the playing fields.

Eighty letters objecting to the proposal have been tabled, plus a protest petition signed by 66 people.

Supporters of the fence have expressed concerns about the high incidence of anti-social behaviour out of school hours.

Planning officers have recommended approval of the scheme - but North Yorkshire County Council's planning committee voted yesterday to defer its decision until members visit the site on Thursday, October 6.

Councillor Cliff Trotter, a Harrogate borough councillor for Stray Ward, which includes West End Avenue, supported the site visit because it would give committee members unfamiliar with the site an opportunity to see it at first-hand.

The fence is opposed by Harrogate Borough Council, which says free access should be maintained and that the black fencing would be harmful to the conservation area.

Concern has also been expressed that a single access from West End Avenue would cause congestion at peak school times.

Residents fighting the plan say the proposed fencing is premature ahead of a decision whether or not to have a path across the land designated as a public right of way.

Meanwhile, the school says fencing is needed to deal with wider security of the site, pointing out it would remain in use as a playing field, open to public use - subject to the school's letting policy.