A SCHOOL has submitted plans to build a bike track after starting work without planning permission.

New Rickstones Academy, in Conrad Road, Witham, wants a new dirt track and hardstanding area for motorbike and bicycle training.

Work has been suspended after complaints from residents, including villagers in Rivenhall.

Braintree Council first be-lieved planning permission was not necessary, but then realised the project was on a larger scale than it thought.

Sport England has backed the application.

Roy Warren, Sport England’s senior planning manager, wrote a letter saying: “This would provide a new facility for motorised and non-motorised cycle sports, which would encourage participation in such sports by both students and the wider community.

“I understand there are no similar facilities in the Witham area.”

The academy hopes the track will help it offer new courses, enhance existing mechanics and maintenance courses and provide a safe place in which to learn how to ride bikes.

Braintree Council will decide on the application.