HANLEY Castle High School could have its new £650,000 sports hall before the end of the year.

Detailed designs for the scheme were approved by county planners on Monday (January 22) and headmaster Alan Johnston said he was very pleased to have passed the first major hurdle.

"It will go out to tender in the next week or two and we hope to start work around Easter. If all goes well it should be finished in the autumn," he said.

"The plans are very good ones. They are an improvement on the original design, with an attractive finish and tile roof in keeping with the environment."

The building will be detached from the school, taking advantage of the natural slope of the ground to reduce its height in relation to the main buildings.

County councillor Tom Wells (Lib Dem, Powick) said it was significantly better than the previous plan put forward in 1997.

In response to concerns raised by local people, he asked for extra conditions to be attached to the planning approval.

These involve providing adequate signs about vehicle access before the hall is opened to the public and providing for two-way traffic, either by widening the drive or making passing places.

Coun Wells also asked for the emergency access from Bowling Green Lane to be retained and for Severn Trent to be consulted to make sure the new development had no adverse effect on the foul sewers.

Worcestershire County Council's planning committee agreed to these conditions, with others recommended by the planning officers relating to landscaping and reducing disruption during construction work.

It was agreed that public use of the sports hall should finish at 5pm on Sundays and public holidays, 10pm on other days.