Walsall school expansion finally given green light
A planned expansion of a Streetly primary school can finally go ahead after it was delayed over concerns it would add to traffic misery for nearby residents.
Manor Primary in Briar Avenue will erect a new teaching block featuring two classrooms, toilet and storage facilities as well as a new replacement all weather pitch.
The development will help the school increase its pupil numbers by 60 to a total of 390, aged five to 11, with 15 joining each September.
But the plans sparked opposition from people living nearby who said they were suffering from the “living hell” of congestion and driveways being blocked by inconsiderate parking.
At a planning committee meeting in February, ward councillor Sat Johal said confrontations between parents arriving to drop their kids off at the school and residents had resulted in abuse and the relationship between all parties was at “boiling point”.
The decision was deferred to give delegated authority to planning officers to ensure these concerns were addressed.
Committee chairman Mike Bird also ordered the school to set up a working group to enable them to communicate with councillors and residents following criticism of a lack of dialogue.
A report detailing the school’s engagement strategy said Covid-19 had put paid to plans for meetings in person and, instead, virtual presentations and meetings will be set up.
A travel plan has also been put together showing how the school intends to encourage more cycling and walking as well as encouraging considerate behaviour from parents at pick up and drop off times.
Walsall Council planning officers confirmed this week that approval for the scheme had been granted.
The school’s agent Baily Garner said: “The proposal seeks avoiding negative impact on the surrounding area and on neighbouring properties.
“The application is a carefully considered, high quality scheme tailored to its location & to meet the schools requirements.”
Councillor Johal said she was disappointed a working group with elected members and residents had not been set up yet due to Covid and hoped it would be soon.
She added: “Any improvement to education facilities is much welcome. However this must be balanced with impact on the residents.”
