Objections over plans to extend oversubscribed school

Residents have objected to plans to extend an oversubscribed primary school in South Yorkshire over concerns about parking and noise levels.

The plans for Waverley Junior Academy, in Catcliffe, will be decided at the next Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council planning board on 6 June.

Extra classrooms are included in the proposals after 27 children were left without a school place in 2022.

One resident wrote to the council and said parking at the school is already “chaotic and dangerous” and called for double yellow lines to be introduced.

Another person wrote that the extension would “obstruct the picturesque views” from their property, while a third said it would “devalue" their home.

However, there were also letters of supported for the "much-needed" extra places the development would provide.

Waverley Community Council said it welcomed the plans but raised concerns over the impact on residents, according to the Local Democracy Service.

It requested the council look into ways to encourage "active travel" - ie, walking or cycling - to and from the school, to reduce traffic and parking issues.

The plans include a two-storey extension fronting Highfield Lane that will have three new classrooms on each floor and toilets.

A separate extension will include a nursery room, staff office, and a larger entrance.

The council previously said last year that the school would be able to offer an extra 210 places by 2025.

Waverley Junior Academy opened in September 2020 after a new housing development was built at the former Orgreave Colliery and Coking Works between Handsworth and Catcliffe.

Parents were left frustrated when it was revealed some children would be left without a school space, as they thought they would be able to walk their children to school when they bought their homes.

Instead they had to send their children to schools in nearby villages and started a campaign group as a result.

Planning officers, who have recommended the plans be approved, added that the school had a plan in place to “reduce the reliance on cars for both staff and pupils”.

They added that they have no power to enforce double yellow lines or parking restrictions as those roads were not their responsibility.

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