SCHOOL staff and parents could be stopped from parking on a stretch of grass where they have parked for years.

King Alfred's Academy in Wantage has submitted a formal planning application to let cars use the fenced-off area at its West Site on Challow Road.

In the submission to Vale of White Horse District Council, the school said: "The temporary parking has been in this manner for several years and has become a vital part of the school’s requirements for staff parking."

School managers now hope to pave the area over – if planning permission is granted.