PLANS for a controversial redevelopment of a private school have been amended following a public outcry over the scale of the scheme.

Yarm School’s proposals to relocate its playing fields show it intends to reduce the size of the planned new playing field pavilion by more than 70 per cent, reduce the size of the new sports fields by 40 per cent, and move the proposed location of a new Tees footbridge.

Community groups from around the town joined forces to campaign against the proposal when it was first submitted, claiming it would have a damaging effect on the area.

However, a separate planning application for 735 new homes on the school's existing playing fields and nearby land at Green Lane remains before Stockton Borough Council for its determination.

Headteacher David Dunn said: “The school has carefully considered the many comments made about the proposals for land north of the River Tees.

“We have sought to maintain many of the community benefits including a new £1m footbridge, opening up substantial areas of private land to the public, and provision of new permissive routes within the Tees Heritage Park.

“The school's playing provision has been reduced to 11 grass playing pitches with rugby and goal posts being removed from April to August each year.

“The senior school site will remain the focus of activity for the school, providing car parking, changing facilities and post-match entertainment.

“The re-designed pavilion is simply to provide shelter, storage and a viewing space - it was never the school's intention this would be a licensed bar."

Last month Egglescliffe Area Residents' Association (EARA) had expressed fears that there could be space for a club bar.

Association chairman Shane Sellers signed the letter to the school governors along with Christine Mundy, of Protect Leven Valley, Angela Ballantyne, of Keep Eaglescliffe Special, and Kate Brown, of Kirlevington and Castlelevington Parish Council.

Coun Maureen Rigg, the ward councillor on Stockton Borough Council, said: “I’m not really impressed to be honest. The plans are undoubtedly less imposing than the previous proposals but that is to be expected.

“It is not unusual for a developer to ask for more than they really want, pretend to listen to public opinion before coming back with a different proposal.”