A 2.4metre security fence has been approved for St Osmund's Middle School in Dorchester.

The fence was approved unanimously, without debate, at Tuesday afternoon's Dorset Council area planning committee.

There had been concerns from some neighbours and town councillors about the appearance of the fence, although the town council dropped its objection after the school agreed to reduce the height of the fence where it was closest to homes at Standfast Walk.

The school says the fence, around the 10 acre site, is necessary to improve security for pupils and will allow it to divert some staff away from patrolling the site at break times because of the current open nature of the campus.

The new fence will include small ground level holes to allow hedgehogs to continue travelling through the area at night.

The proposed works include cutting back some trees and the widening of some school paths.