School expansion set for approval despite concerns

Expansion plans for a Surrey infant school to more than double its student roll are to be discussed by county councillors amid concerns from neighbours.

The proposal for Meadowcroft Community Infant School in Chertsey is to cope with rising demand for primary school places, according to applicant Surrey County Council (SCC).

The school currently has one class per year for pupils aged between four and seven, but the development will extend its offering by four years for children aged up to 11 - increasing its capacity from 90 to 210 pupils.

Critics have called the project, which is recommended for approval, an “over development” of the site.

With 25 letters of objection, some residents argued there was no need for the project as students could be allocated to other local primary schools.

Traffic and parking was also a major concern amongst objectors, although SCC Highway Authority raised no objections.

Only two letters were received in support of the application, citing the need for children to have continuous education in a good school in the local area.

Plans include extending the back of the main school building to create a hall space and a new room for children with special educational needs.

A new multi-use games area is also part of the development and Meadowcroft has agreed with nearby Salesian School to share its sporting facilities during the day.

Despite a reduction in open space around the school site, planning officers reported the benefits of the expansion “outweighed” any negatives.

Councillors will give their decision on the project at a SCC planning meeting on Wednesday.

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