Residents in Roe Green Village have expressed relief that a controversial planning application to build commercial football pitches in a nearby school has been declined.

Brent planning chiefs rejected a joint application from Kingsbury High School and Powerleague last Thursday for floodlit commercial football pitches in the academy’s Bacon Lane campus by reason of noise.

The deal included five floodlit pitches, a floodlit multi-use games area and permission to Astroturf the grass playing fields for use by the public out of school hours until 10.30pm.

Members of the Roe Green Village Residents’ Association (RGVRA) who fought an 18 month campaign against the proposals have said they are prepared to fight again if either group appeals the decision.

Villagers living in the village, which is celebrating its centenary next year, said public football pitches operating until 10.30pm, seven days a week, would “kill the conservation area”.

They said a commercial pitch would endanger the environment which is home to several endangered species, increase traffic gridlock in the area and escalate pollution problems.

Debbie Nyman, of RGVRA, said: “Brent Council have refused the Powerleague application, which is great news, but what we really need to hear is that the school head and governors recommend pulling the plug on this inappropriate and unsuitable application.

“We are prepared to continue fighting at the slightest notion that the school will continue with this destructive application.”

Rachel Kitley, Kingsbury High School co-headteacher, said the academy was “extremely disappointed” with the council’s decision.

She added: “We will review our options in discussion with Powerleague, as we remain committed to providing improved sports facilities for our current and future students, as well as many other local schools and the wider community.”

A spokeswoman for Brent Council said: “Brent Council planning officers recommended refusal by reason of noise associated with the use.

“The application attracted considerable numbers of objections from residents in Roe Green. “Each planning application is considered on merit.”