School expansion plans to be decided

The initial consultation period started on September 8 and ran through toOctober 6.

The Council worked in partnership with the school to undertake the consultation which included public and staff meetings.

There is considered a need for more school places as a result of ‘significant and sustained demographic growth in the area’.

The initial consultation for the proposal to expand the school received 30 responses in total of which 60 percent indicated support and 10 percent were undecided.

The main issue people had with the potential expansion was related to traffic and the potential of increased congestion in and around the immediate area of the school.

Throughout the consultation it has been made clear that it is increases in the very local Stotfold demographic that is driving the need for more school places and these local children could walk, although parents may choose to drive as a result of work or other family commitments.

The council were quick to calm the traffic fears as the Education and Inspections Act 2006 places a duty on local councils to promote the use of sustainable transport on the home to school journey.

They believe the issue will be addressed through the design and eventual planning approval process and also by the school itself which will be required to review and refresh its own travel plan.

If the plans are approved by the council they would be implemented at the start of the 2015 school year.