Wealden District councillors agreed to the scheme put forward by St Bede's Senior School in Upper Dicker, at a planning meeting held on July 22.

The plans include three general sports pitches, four cricket nets, one cricket pitch and five tennis courts, a planning statement said.

Some 17 planning conditions were laid down – as agreed between the school and Dicker Residents Association (DRA).

A school spokeswoman said the planning consent followed a year-long consultation process with several authorities including the residents association, villagers, Arlington Parish Council and Wealden District Council.

She said: "Both Arlington Parish Council and the DRA supported the application and helped form the final application with helpful comments and insights. The application was cited by councillors at the meeting as an excellent example of a community working together.

"Work will begin on the new pitches within the next few months."