A SECURITY fence will be built around the new school building at King's Leadership Academy to protect pupils from 'large animals'.

Last Wednesday the development control committee approved plans to pave the way for the 2.4 metre high fence around the playing fields, on Hillock Lane, in Woolston.

Principal Shane Ierston urged committee members to support him in 'keeping children safe'.

He added: "The fence is for safeguarding reasons to keep them safe from external influences.

"The site is used by residents who have dogs. It is quite likely a large animal could threaten the children."

Operations manager Eileen Davison echoed the views of Mr Ierston.

She said: "There is an awful lot of dog walkers on the site and dogs can run off their leads."

The original planning application for the new school building did not include a fence.

The position of the gates will allow for 'safe access' by students, as well as emergency access to the playing fields at the rear of the site, should it be necessary.

The approval will also help King's meet Ofsted criteria on safeguarding.

It has been confirmed plans will not have 'any significant adverse impact' upon the trees on site because of the 'minimal work' which will be carried out.