A school in the south of the Island has had a bit of a setback.

Victoria Road Primary in Castletown has lost a planning fight to extend its sports hall.

The Department of Education appealed the decision by the Department of Local Government and the Environment but without success.

Independent planning inspector David Bushby turned the proposals down because it would have an oppressive, overbearing and visually dominant impact on nearby homes.

The hall would have included a community room, kitchen and classrooms.

The DoE has issued the following statement:

'The Department is, obviously, disappointed that it is unable to proceed with the construction of badly needed facilities for the children and staff of Victoria Road School and the wider community of Castletown. It will now need to give detailed consideration to the Planning Inspector’s comments and the Minister’s decision before deciding on its next step.'