‘I’m only thinking about the children’

Gainsborough Town Councillor Robin Perry was a governor at North County Primary School when he first learned about the structure last year.

“I informed the school that they needed planning permission, and then after that I told West Lindsey District Council,” he said

“I’m just concerned that with it not having planning permission, it hasn’t been inspected, so I’m worried that if a child has an accident on it then it won’t be covered by insurance and the school might have to pay out.”

He continued: “I don’t want the school or the children to suffer.”

“I don’t want to see it torn down because then the school would lose money and it’s a great facility for the kids.”

“I’m just thinking of the children’s safety. I’d like to see the school apply for retrospective planning permission.”

He added: “If anyone would like to discuss this with me please call me at the council on 01427 811573 – whether you’re for or against it, I just want to make sure things get done the right way.”

A spokesman from the district council said: “In this case, the equipment is less than 20 metres from the highway and was erected by the school and not the Education Authority, which means that technically it would need planning permission.”

“A retrospective application was invited to regularise the position and an application was submitted. This was invalid and subsequently withdrawn.”

“The council does not always have to take formal action but the circumstances of each case are always considered and assessed.”

West Lindsey District Council development control service manager Mark Sturgess said: “It is not normal to take formal action against a minor breach of control, if it is considered that it causes no real harm.”

He added: “In this instance it does not appear that the play equipment is causing any harm so no further action is required.”

No one from North County Primary School was available for comment.