Colleton Primary School expansion plans get approval

A major expansion of the Colleton School in Twyford was approved by Wokingham's planning committee last night.

The development will see two sizeable extensions to the north and east side's of the school, internal modifications to create new classrooms, a larger hall and new kitchen area and plant room.

Pupil admissions will also rise from 35 to 60 places a year by September 2013 and pupil numbers in all years will jump from 265 to 420.

The planning committee voted in favour of the development despite concerns raised at the meeting about its impact on traffic congestion in the roads surrounding the school.

Neighbours complained it will clog up their streets with traffic during the morning and evening rush hours.

James Burke, of Wessex Gardens, labelled a Stanlake Meadow park and stride scheme to tackle the problem as 'bordering on the criminal.'

"The pupils would have to cross one of the areas busiest roads to get to school, it is ridiculous," he said.

Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) has said a bundle of traffic calming measures, including a new drop-off zone and extended car park will alleviate the problems.

School headteacher Caroline Norris, told the meeting the school had been oversubscribed for a decade and pupils were being turned away despite living inside the catchment area.

“This development will ensure that all Twyford children can go to a Twyford school, not just now but also in the future,” she said. 

The expansion will be funded by £7m allocated to the council from Government.

COMMENT: What do you think about the decision? Tell us below.