Free School plan thrown out

PLANNING chiefs at Warrington have controversially thrown out an application for new buildings for the town’s first Free School
Members of the borough council’s development management committee voted unanimously to refuse permission for an 840-place school on land off Hillock Lane, Woolston.
The decision brought shouts of anger in a packed council chamber at the Town Hall.
At one stage, the chairman Cllr Tony McCarthy (pictured), had to warn noisy members of the public they could be removed from the meeting if they did not behave.
Supporters of King’s Leadership Academy – currently operating from temporary classrooms at the former Longbarn Primary School – say they will appeal against the decision.
One parent said: “This was a ridiculous decision, taken against the advice of the council’s own planning officers.
“Sadly it will probably cost the council a lot of money.”
The refusal, moved by Labour’s Cllr Jan Davidson and seconded by Conservative Cllr Sheila Woodyatt, was based on the loss of “green” land within the urban area of Woolston and a loss of residential amenity for people living in Hillock Lane.
When the school opened last year it had 38 pupils, but it now claims to have 104.
The plan was opposed by Woolston Parish Council, local borough councillors and 23 members of the public.
Support came from 78 people who claimed there was great demand for a high quality secondary school in the area – and that it would make Woolston a more desirable place to live.
Opponents of the development feared traffic and parking problems, loss of open space and playing fields, noise and disturbance, loss of privacy, wildlife habitats, etc.
Sir Iain Hall, chief executive of Great Schools for All Children, the organisation behind the King’s Leadership Academy, spoke in support of the application.
He said indoor sports facilities at the school, and outdoor all-weather sports pitches, would be available to the local community.