Purley school denied extension

West Berkshire Council has refused an application for more classroom space at Purley Primary School

A SCHOOL in Purley-on-Thames has been denied the chance to extend its facilities.

West Berkshire Council has refused Purley Primary School's application to build a new two-storey classroom and add further extensions to the school's grounds at it's site in Purley Village.

The application outlined plans for more classroom space and better facilities and access in order to accommodate pupils up to the age of 11.

Purley Parish Council had objected to the proposals and documented their reasons in a letter of representation submitted to the council.

It said the design and access plans contained misleading or incorrect statements regarding parking, the carbon footprint of the building, access to the site, and that traffic measures must be put in place near the school's entrance.

The current speed limit past the school is 30mph, and the parish council wanted this to be reduced to 20mph, or to have physical measures introduced to calm speed and manage the increased traffic.

In refusing the plans the council's head of planning, Gary Lugg, said aside from issues surrounding traffic in front of the school, the proposed extension would have an adverse impact upon residents living next to the school.

He said the designs would be too overbearing for the properties Virginia Lodge and Stargable which sit on the school's boundaries.

Provisions for disabled access were not made clear enough and the proposals for car parking spaces did not account for increased staff numbers which could have a knock-on impact on street parking and traffic flow, Mr Lugg said.

Another reason given for the refusal is the loss of character given the council considers the original building, a Victorian flint and stone church school, distinctive and attractive.

Mr Lugg said the proposed extension would produce “an unattractive and elongated front and rear elevation, to the detriment of the street scene and general character of the area”.

In total 28 contributors objected to the application and four were in support.

No persons at the school could be contacted to provide a response.