PLANS have been submitted to extend the size of a New Forest school playground.

The proposals for Ashley Junior School include the improvements on the southern side of the school to deliver a separate play area for Year 3 and 4 pupils.

A statement submitted in support of the application to New Forest District Council says: "The playground has been designed to allow for flexible free-flow play and as a link space to the

proposed play equipment and the field beyond.

"The design makes full use of the under used grass area between the existing trees with no risk of impact on the trees.

"The proposed porous asphalt surface enables rain fall to drain through to the sub-base and then utilises a collector drain to link to a soak-away. This ensures that the design is as sustainable and easy to maintain as possible."

There is potential for the installation of new play equipment at a later stage.

New Forest District Council planners are currently assessing the application and residents have until next month to make comments on the scheme.