A school has applied for permission to create a "sheltered outdoor learning environment".

St Paul's CE Primary School, in St Nicholas Road, Brighton, wants to build a hexagonal gazebo as part of an outdoor learning environment project.

The proposed development would feature five benches and five sides of picket fencing, creating a sheltered space for up to 30 children.

According to plans submitted by the group Parents and Friends of St Paul's C E School, the new learning environment gazebo would be be positioned next to the infant's playground, which has is an underutilised and overgrown area of the school.

This site is said to be "infrequently used" by the pupils during play and learning times.

Since the plans were submitted in January, neighbours of the school and the community have backed the development.

One resident of the road said: "It's a wonderful opportunity for the children of the school to gain increased access to nature and enjoy outdoor learning.

"I'm confident that this will bring several benefits to the children (and the community as a whole), including improved mental wellbeing and academic achievements."

Another person said: "I am a resident of the street where this school is situated and wholeheartedly support this initiative.

"The school on this street is a vital part of a very happy community and good resources like this can only make things even better. Outdoor space at city-based schools like this is at a premium and this seems like a very good use of what is currently an underutilised area."

Someone else from the surrounding area said: "The proposed gazebo will provide outside, sheltered teaching space for St Paul's School.

"I applaud this. The gazebo will be approximately 15 metres from the front of my house and fully visible from my upper floor windows.

"Nevertheless I welcome this proposal unreservedly. I hope incidentally that it will provide the focus for a major sprucing up (and greening) of this neglected area of the school grounds."

A final decision on whether to approve the plans is set to be made by April 19.