Jubiliant residents celebrated last night when the planning committee rejected Whitgift School’s application to build an all weather pitch.

The application was rejected because it would put protected trees at risk.

Families living on Whitgift Avenue opposite the planning site, objected to the proposed pitch being built opposite their homes.

They were concerned about proposed 16m high floodlights surrounding the pitch turning the leafy quiet street into a stadium and the increase in traffic the pitch would bring. Forty one sent objections to the council.

Council officers had no objection to the building of the pitch and did did not feel floodlights would be harmful to the residents.

They recommended the planning committee reject the campaign because it would put protected trees at risk.

Lionel Phillips, spearheading the residents’ campaign, made a speech at the meeting.

He said: “The effect of my speech was to focus the attention of the committee on the effect the pitch will have on the local people.”

James Stremes, Bursar at Whitgift School, said the school had not yet decided whether to appeal the rejection.

He said: “We are looking at various options and what needs to be done to address the concerns.”