School's bid to expand blocked over traffic issues

An independent school in Surrey has had plans to create space for 180 more students rejected over traffic concerns.

Hoe Bridge School in Old Woking, which charges up to £21,000 a year, had proposed building a two-storey senior school on green belt land.

At a Woking Borough Council meeting on Tuesday, the Rose Wood Residents' Association (RWRA) cited the hit and run death of cyclist Derek Abbott in 2015, which happened in the area.

The council rejected the application, saying the building would be out of keeping with the surrounding area and would affect neighbouring properties, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The RWRA speaker said there had been "many, many" near misses in the area with children.

He said: “We must protect our kids before there are more accidents and god forbid one involves a child.”

The council received 27 letters of objection, mostly focussed on traffic.

The school currently offers education through from age two to 13, with plans to take in Year 9 from 2025.

The new building would allow students to complete education through to GCSEs without moving schools.

Building plans had been recommended by the borough council after Surrey Highways accepted new access routes would mitigate traffic problems along Old Woking Road and nearby ancient lanes.

Headteacher Chris Webster said the school had worked with a team of experienced planners to ensure the development would benefit the environment.

He said: “We are the local school for local families with a wonderful reputation and exceptional educational record.”

Councillors voted to refuse planning permission five to two.

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