Expansion plan for Suffolk primary school approved
A new teaching block is set to be built at Holton St Peter primary
A new block for a Suffolk primary school has gained council consent.
Holton St Peter primary school in Holton can progress plans for a new block as Suffolk County Council’s development and regulation committee unanimously approved its application today.
Christine Starkl, headteacher at the school, said at the meeting: “This block will promote early years education for the children at Holton St Peter.
“We take fifteen children every year into our reception class, and three years ago we took an additional eleven children.
“We are effectively asking for a building for these eleven children.”
The early years block would sit on the edge of the school’s playing field, which is to the west of the existing school buildings.
Speaking about complaints from the parish council and four residents on the basis of parking and traffic issues, Ms Starkl explained parking restrictions at peak times at the junction of Bungay Road and Church View will be enforced through a traffic regulation order – as recommended by Suffolk County Council highways.
One parking space will be lost to create a path between the block and the main school building. Space for an additional two parking spots is expected to be freed up through the relocation of a storage shed.
The headteacher explained that some teachers walk or cycle to school, leaving some parking spots empty. Ms Starkle also pointed out the informal arrangement between the school and the nearby village hall that allows parents and staff to park on its car park.
A condition attached to the approval ensures a sustainable travel plan is drawn up, which will encourage staff, pupils and parents to travel in more environmentally friendly ways.
Cllr Elaine Bryce said: “Early years provision across Suffolk is so important and increasing it is laudable. I also support the sustainable travel efforts promised.”
Sport England objected to the plans on the basis of the loss of a running track, which it considered to be an “integral” part of the field.
The officer explained that the track that will be lost is smaller than Sport England believed. Sport England has been emailed about this, and the fact that another track could be accommodated elsewhere on the field. A response was not received before the meeting.