School field fencing at Parrs Wood High School, Manchester

What was proposed

The application sought changes to the approved siting and design of 2.4-metre weld mesh fencing around a school playing field.

“Proposal Variation of Condition 2 attached to Planning Permission 136137/FO/2023 to allow for amendments to the siting and design of the previously approved fencing.”

“The applicant is seeking consent to amend the wording of condition no. 2 (approved drawings) attached to planning permission 136137/FO/2023, in order to allow for amendments to the siting of 2.4 metres high weld mesh fencing around a school playing field.”

Officer report

The site and earlier permission

The playing fields lie beside the River Mersey, and permission was granted in 2024 for fencing to safeguard children and field users.

“This application relates to the school playing fields associated with Parrs Wood High School. They are situated to the south of the main school complex and are bounded by Wilmslow Road to the west, the River Mersey to the south, the school and an access road to the north and a golf course to the east. As can be seen in the images below, the perimeter of the playing fields consists of a mature tree line.”

“The applicant obtained planning permission in April 2024 (reference 136137/FO/2023) to erect 2.4 metres high green weld mesh fencing around the perimeter of the school playing fields for the purpose of safeguarding the children attending Parrs Wood High School and other users of the playing fields. This fencing was erected towards the end of 2024 and before it could be completed it was partially damaged in the floods that occurred on 1 January 2025.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the revised alignment and mesh would improve flood resilience, openness and visual impact without increasing flood risk.

“Re-aligning the fencing behind the existing tree line, particularly along Section C, would reduce its visual prominence, maintain a greater sense of openness for users of the riverside footpath and improve its resilience to future flood events. The revised mesh design, incorporating wider apertures, lessens the likelihood of debris accumulation and therefore avoids exacerbating flood risk.”

“Finally, incorporating biodiversity enhancements, such as bird or bat boxes, will help offset any ecological impact and ensure that the scheme delivers a net positive contribution where feasible.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Residents objected that the fence could obstruct floodwater and debris, increase flood risk, harm the riverside setting and reduce safety on the path.

“The school playing fields form part of the functional floodplain of the River Mersey and highlight that the previously installed 2.4 m fence was damaged during the severe flooding on 1 January 2025. the fencing trapped debris and obstructed the natural conveyance of flood water, preventing the river from promptly or safely spreading into the fields, and instead initially forcing flood water around the obstruction and towards nearby residential properties.”

“In the absence of any clear operational or safeguarding necessity, the proposal represents a disproportionate and unnecessary form of development that causes identifiable harm without corresponding planning benefit. • The fences will detract from the beauty of the natural environment in this stretch of the river Mersey, particularly in relation to the row of trees from near Cheadle Bridge to the end of the school playing field.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Ward Councillor Simcock supported the site visit and said the revised scheme was improved, but warned future flooding could damage the fence.

The committee’s decision

After visiting the site, the Committee approved the officer recommendation subject to the conditions in the report.

“Councillor Andrews moved the Officer’s recommendation.”

“The Committee resolved to move the recommendation of Approve for the application subject to conditions within the report.”

Minutes