Previously refused plans for a multi-purpose air dome at South Craven School are to be re-submitted.

The Cross Hills school wants to build the facility on land to the east of its sports hall, and says the 1,980 square metres of extra floor space would enhance and increase its sports provision.

Last September, an earlier application for the dome was rejected by Craven District Council planning officers, who concluded that while the structure would bring benefits to the school, it would also harm neighbouring amenities.

At the time, headteacher Dr Andrew Cummings said the refusal was not a problem, as the application could be re-submitted following the completion of a couple of assessments.

He said work on the dome had not been planned to start until spring 2014.

On Friday, a spokesman for South Craven said: “The air dome will provide space for a selection of pitches – three tennis courts, two five a-side football pitches or two netball courts.

“It would ensure that students would be able to enjoy sports all year round and not be restricted by bad weather.

“It would also mean that primary pupils from our local partner schools, where indoor facilities are limited, would be able to use the space.

“As an outstanding school we are keen to continue to deliver the very best educational and social facilities for our students and the wider community and believe that this new construction will enable us to continue to deliver high quality education.

“We would also like to encourage greater use of facilities by the community.

“We are in talks with Pro Coach, the coaching arm of Yorkshire Cricket Club, about upgrading our sports hall to make it into a cricket centre, as well as investing in more spinning and gym equipment.”

The school says the air dome would be made of a highly resilient fabric, which is light, strong, easily repairable, and fire proof.

It adds that it is keen to minimise any negative impact on the nearby community and is urging local people to contact Craven District planning office if they are willing to back the school’s new venture.