PLANS for a car park and sports pitch at Wellesbourne Primary School have been refused.
Stratford District Council’s planning committee threw out plans for an 82 space car park and sports facility on land adjacent to the junior school on Newbold Road at a meeting last week.
The application, submitted by Wellesbourne Parish Council, attracted a raft of objections from residents while concerns were raised by planning officers about whether the car park plans flew in the face of encouraging families to walk or cycle to school.
The use of the car park was intended principally for dropping off and picking up pupils at the start and end of the school day. Its intention was to provide relief to the residents of Mountford Close and to avoid hazards and delays with traffic at the Mountford Close/Newbold Road junction.
Ward member Coun David Johnston said he had no objection to the principal of the proposal, but concerns regarding flood risk and highway access would have to be dealt with.
There had been 50 letters of objection from the public. Concerns raised included flood risk, loss of green space, inadequate traffic assessment, and increase in noise, pollution and anti-social behaviour.
Concern was also raised about parents continuing to park on the street to drop off children and the sports pitch being designed for older children.
There were four letters of support citing it would improve parking provision, and highway and pedestrian safety.
In a report to the planning committee, officers stated that while they were satisfied the application would provide pupils and residents with additional provision to be physically active and play sports, they were not convinced enough evidence had been presented for the need of a car park.
They also raised concerns the car park was contrary to the focus on promoting active travel – such as walking, cycling and using public transport, to get to school.
Members of the planning committee refused the application on the basis of officers’ concerns.
