AN ALTRINCHAM school claims that a housing development that is being built next door to it will ruin playtime for its children.

Twelve homes are being built by Arley Homes on the former site of the Adult Training Centre, at Albert Place, next to Altrincham C of E Primary School.

Headteacher Jim Inglis points out that the three townhouses in the development are just 9m away from the school’s playground - which he says is far too close.

He claims this will cause overlooking and disturbance for both the children and the householders.

The school is appealing for help to create a planted barrier between the playground and the houses and to move their play equipment to another part of the school.

The planning application for the development - known as Dunham Chase - was approved by the council last October.

Mr Inglis said: “Our playground is overshadowed by these new homes. We were astonished to see how close the houses being built were to the playground.

“We have enjoyed an open play area that was not overlooked - but now this has created an urban landscape.

“The children will look directly into the house windows - that is not ideal for either us or the people who will be living there.

“The noise levels of children playing will also be a cause for complaint for some residents.”

Rachel Brooks, a parent governor and PTA member, said: “All we ask is that a contribution is made toward relocating the playground equipment and planting a tall hedge or raising the fence to provide more appropriate protection - for the benefit of the school and the new homeowners.”

Arley Homes, though, said this is not its responsibility.

John Cosgrave, the firm’s managing director, said: “The Dunham Chase development was approved by Trafford Council planning control committee and has been built in line with planning guidance to the specification agreed. No objection was made at the time as regards the proximity of the properties to the boundary with the school which are located at the requisite distance from the wall.

“Arley Homes has had no involvement with the installation of the school’s play equipment therefore we are unsure as to why the school feels that we have any liability for this. As a responsible housebuilder Arley prides itself on building quality family homes and creating attractive and desirable environments which are genuinely appreciated by our buyers.”