Green light for extra classroom despite parking worries

A school has been given the go-ahead to build a new classroom despite fears that traffic could endanger children there.

Congestion and parking problems have mounted around Braywood CE First School in Oakley Green, with parents and staff parking on kerbs and commuters using the road as a rat-run.

Melvin Andrews, highways officer at the Royal Borough, told the planning panel at a meeting on Wednesday, that the proposal would increase on-street parking in Oakley Green Road, which would adversely affect pedestrian movements, road safety and the free flow of traffic.

Initially, planning officers recommended the greenbelt application for approval, because boosting space for the borough's rising five policy, which allows four-year-olds to enter school early, amounted to 'very special circumstances'.
But their stance changed following strong objections from highways officers.

Kevin McGill, of the council's planning department, said: "When you have an obvious and significant problem relating to traffic congestion and poor driving as a product and conflict between motorists and children we cannot say it's a good idea."

Ann Pfeiffer, of children's services, sympathised with the traffic issues but said that the works were essential to cope with new pupils entering school earlier than normal.

"If these classrooms are not built there then these children will not have anywhere to be taught," she said."

Councillors approved the planning application, along with a similar bid by Furze Platt Infant School.