The expansion of an Epsom primary school would address the rising demand for school places in the borough, according to the headteacher, but residents fear increased traffic will make accidents inevitable.
From February 2016: Southfield Park Primary School pupil's warning to Surrey County Council over road safety before three-year-old was hit by mini-bus
Surrey County Council has chosen to upgrade Danetree County Junior School in Epsom to an all-through primary school, meaning it would admit pupils aged between four and 11 as well as two-year-olds to an expanded nursery.
From July 2014: Danetree Junior School in Epsom rating boost after partnership with Glyn School
From September 2016 the school would be known as Danetree Primary School and would admit an additional 90 children to the new nursery and reception classes.
From October 2014: Parents demand answers after council plans to expand three schools are put on hold
Headteacher James Broad believes the expansion would help meet a rising demand for primary school places in Epsom.
He said: “We believe that becoming a primary school would be in the best educational interest of the school and pupil.”
But residents have written to the county council, raising concerns over traffic congestion around the school in Danetree Road.
Dawn Staker, of Vernon Close, West Ewell wrote: “There have been so many near-misses with the amount of traffic already using Gadesden Road and Vernon Close.”
Josephine Abou Bakr of Danetree Close, West Ewell wrote: “I also have concerns that if an emergency occurred during this time the fire and ambulance vehicles may be unable to get through.”
But Mr Broad has downplayed these fears and believes admitting a wider age range would enable families to have all their children at one school – removing the need to travel to separate schools, and reducing the number of cars in the area.
He said: “As a school, we will continue to work closely with families to encourage and support safe and sustainable travel initiatives such as cycling and walking buses.”
The council’s period of determination for the application ends on April 26.
To view the application, search for 15/01567/CMA at the council's planning portal: epsom-ewell.gov.uk/EEBC/planning
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