A SCHOOL’S plans for new sports facilities which were backed by Katie Price have been given the go-ahead.

Patcham High School’s £4 million scheme for a new sports hall, artificial football pitch and floodlit netball courts have been approved.

The plans won the unanimous backing of the Brighton and Hove City Council Planning Committee. Former Conservative group leader, Councillor Geoffrey Theobald, who represents Patcham ward, made a passionate speech in support of the plans at the meeting at Hove Town Hall.

He said: “I do feel very emotionally involved on this development as a governor for 20 years.”

Councillor Theobald said that Patcham High lacked the sports facilities that other schools had, adding: “We would desperately like to improve the situation.”

And he said that the application would benefit the wider community because as a result the school would fund a pedestrian crossing in Winfield Avenue.

The plans attracted 325 letters in support and 96 people sent in letters of objection.

Green councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty had concerns about the hours of use, mindful of issues elsewhere, but he said: “Despite my reservations I am going to vote for it. It is a very good thing. It is just previous experience and to protect our inboxes from potential emails – we must do this thoroughly and make it work for everyone.”

Labour councillor Penny Gilbey told the committee that she lived near Portslade Sports Centre and Mile Oak Recreation Ground, without any problem.

Patcham High head John McKee said: “I would like to thank the members of the Planning Committee for giving us the green light to transform our out-dated sports facilities at Patcham High School.

“I have no doubt the 3G pitch and the sports hall will be of tremendous benefit not just to future generations of students but also to local sports clubs and the wider community. Now the real hard work begins – raising the money to turn our sporting dream into a reality.”

Former pupil Katie Price, now a television personality, supported the project.

She said: “I loved my sport when I was at Patcham, Running was my big thing and I was really proud to represent the school. As a mum I know how important physical exercise is for kids and I reckon the kids at Patcham High deserve the best facilities they can get. I still have friends who live in and around Patcham and I think the new sports hall and the all-weather pitches will be brilliant for them and their families and anyone else in the area who’s into sport.”