THE housing minister has decided he won’t intervene in a planning row over school playing fields targeted for the extension of a burial ground.

Sport England raised an objection to the proposed replacement of the recreation ground beside Westbury-on-Severn Primary School with a greenfield site further away.

But the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government James Brokenshire has ruled that it is a matter for Forest Council planners, who backed the scheme last month despite opposition from the school, parents and governors.

A letter from the ministry said: “The Government is committed to give more power to councils and communities to make their own decisions on planning issues, and believes planning decisions should be made at the local level wherever possible.

“The Secretary of State has decided not to call in this application. He is content that it should be determined by the local planning authority.”

The scheme to extend the village burial ground was submitted by Westbury-on-Severn Parish Council who own the playing fields currently used by the school.

They offered two neighbouring fields as a replacement further southwest, which could double the size of the recreation ground.

But furious governors said they could not afford the work to make the fields useable, and have not agreed a lease or rental costs with the parish council.

The parish council have claimed there are less than 15 plots left in the graveyard beside the A48, which cannot be extended elsewhere.