A HALESOWEN primary school had a new playground, sports pitch and forest area built by St Modwen - six years after the plan was mooted.

The developer promised Olive Hill Primary School the facilities as part of the deal to build 59 properties at The Pavilions, Coombs Road.

Environmentalists waged an unsuccessful campaign to stop St Modwen getting permission to build its development, permission was granted in 2011.

Rachel Cutting, head teacher at Olive Hill Primary School, said: “The children were very excited to have a larger playground last year and to see the development of the new school field and forest area this year.

"The work has provided the children with more space to play and learn outdoors.”

Councillor Ian Cooper, cabinet member for children’s services, added: “Learning through play is a very important part of primary education, and children especially benefit from playing outdoors in the fresh air so these new facilities are very welcome.”

Ian Romano, senior development surveyor at St. Modwen, added: “We hope these outstanding facilities will improve the quality of play, teaching and learning at the school for both current and future pupils.”

St. Modwen has also made biodiversity improvements to the Green Wedge, resulting in a total of 12 acres of land being reinstated for public access.

In 2013, it completed the construction and redevelopment of Coombs Wood Sports and Social Club.