Proposed new 210-pupil primary school is 'sorely needed' but traffic and parking woes look inevitable

 

Swift's eye view of the proposed school

PLANS for a primary school in Waltham have been approved by North East Lincolnshire Council.

The primary school, to be located on grassland, off Sunningdale, will accommodate up to 210 pupils, relieving the pressure on the village's other primary school, Waltham Leas, on Manor Avenue, which has 420 places.

To be  run by Lincolnshire Gateway Academies Trust, it will be known as Waltham Gateway Primary Academy.

The proposal has sparked controversy in the village because of the loss of green space and likely parking and traffic congestion.

The grassland will make way for a school

But NELC's portfolio holder for children, Cllr Margaret Cracknell, says the school will be "desperately needed" by 2026 because of the influx of young families to the area.

"These school spaces are sorely needed, and it’s vital that we start to plan for the future,"she says.

LGAT's chief executive, Martin Brown, insists there will be close liaison with residents.

Says he: "We will keep residents informed throughout the construction process,  and there will be opportunities for the community to engage with us and address any concerns."

A condition has been imposed that four swift-nesting bricks are incorporated into one of the walls of the building.

Work is expected to begin  immediately, though the main contractor has not been named.

                                                          

Location of the school off Sunningdale