THE council-funded construction of a new school sports hall that sparked backlash from locals who claimed the structure was “overbearing” and ‘outside the permitted area’ may now have prompted the need for a new pedestrian crossing as a result.
Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) has recently opened a public consultation in relation to its plans to install a new zebra crossing on Watchet Lane, “near to Holmer Green First School and Pre-School”.
The move is “due to the development of Holmer Green Secondary School”, according to a council website.
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PICTURED: A photo from a neighbour showing the shadow the sports hall casts in their garden.
PICTURED: Another photo showing its proximity to someone's garden.
In February, the Glebe Close and Stevens Close Residents’ Association lambasted Buckinghamshire Council and Holmer Green Senior School over a new sports facility on site some claimed was ‘light-cancelling’ because it is “outside of the permitted planning permission”.
Some neighbours claimed the new facility is “ten metres closer” than on the original plans, casting a shadow over some of their gardens.
They also claimed the council and school had been unresponsive to concerns, which the school denied receipt of.
However, the council said at the time “the building is being constructed in accordance with the approved plans in the correct location”.
The controversy follows, but is separate to, the council’s refusal last year for retrospective planning permission for a so-called “air dome” covering an on-site sports area.
PICTURED: Holmer Green First School and Pre-School.
PICTURED: The spot on Watchet Lane where the crossing will go.
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The new zebra crossing on Watchet Lane “will provide a new safe crossing facility for all residents, and in particular, children and parents, wishing to access the nearby schools and nurseries,” a council website states.
It adds: “We will consider all the responses and prepare a report. The council’s cabinet member for transport (Cllr Steve Broadbent) will review the report and make a decision about the proposed scheme.”
PICTURED: The spot on Watchet Lane where the crossing will go.
To comment on the proposal, complete the online form here.
Comments can also be submitted by email to parkingtro@buckinghamshire.gov.uk – or by post to Design Services Team, Aylesbury Vale Area Office, Corrib Industrial Park, Griffin Lane, Aylesbury, HP19 8BP.
Submissions close June 18, 2021.
We’ve launched a new Facebook group for local news junkies, politics fans and everyone who wants to keep up to date with the latest issues affecting Holmer Green. Please join the conversation over at Buckinghamshire Politics
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