DEVELOPERS are to take down a sign claiming a school playing field was 'acquired for development' when it has not been.

Fairview New Homes said the erection of the sign next to the field owned by Albany School in Enfield was an 'administrative hiccup.'

Last week the Independent revealed how Fairview had erected the sign outside the field owned.

The school wants to sell off eight acres of open space to fund improved sports facilities and a new canteen.

But residents have fought hard against the plan, saying it will encroach on vital green space.

Last summer Enfield councillors rejected an outline planning application by the school to develop the field.

The school appealed, and the appeal is due to be heard in July.

In February Fairview submitted a second, more detailed planning application, which has yet to be discussed.

However last week angry residents reported that a massive sign had gone up at the edge of the field by The Brightside.

The sign said: 'Land acquired by Fairview New Homes Plc.' followed by a telephone number.

Residents protested that not only was the sign inaccurate, it was also on their side of the fence and on their right of way.

And they responded by erecting their own signs, adding 'subject to planning permission' to Fairview's message.

Yesterday a spokesman for Fairview said that 'as he spoke' moves were being made to take the sign down.

'It was an administrative hiccup. We regret any misapprehension it may have caused,' he said.

At the time of going to press, the sign was still there.

No one from Albany School was available for comment, but it is believed that the school had not been informed that the sign was to be put up.

A spokesman for Enfield Council said planning enforcement officers had been informed about the sign and were prepared to take 'appropriate action.'

The appeal will be heard between July 11 and July 13.

Enfield planning officers will defend the council's decision to block the development.

Michael Bullerwell, a resident of The Brightside, welcomed the decision to remove the sign.

'Fairview had a cheek putting it up in the first place, especially as it's on our right of way,' he said.