Telford school plan a step closer despite fears
A state-of-the-art school in Telford is one step closer to being built after councillors agreed to allow planning officers to make decisions over the build.
About 40 members of the public attended Telford & Wrekin's planning committee at The Place in Oakengates last night to protest over plans for the proposed entrance to The Co-operative Academy, which is due to be built on the site of the current Oakengates Leisure Centre.
Residents and local councillors have said that the entrance in New Road would cause chaos during the morning and afternoon school run.
Councillor Les Brayne, of Wrockwardine Wood and Trent Parish Council, and Councillor Shirley Reynolds, who is the ward member for the area and who sits on the planning committee, both raised concerns over drainage, access and parking, along with a member of the public.
It was also revealed that a 54-signature petition was handed to the council. It had been signed by residents in Church Road who will be affected by the plans.
Councillor Nigel Dugmore said the application was "crazy" and called for it to be deferred until a better access road had been found.
He said: "There could easily be access via Green Lea Road. I am astonished that that hasn't been looked at.
"I think it should be withdrawn so that can be looked at. I am also concerned about the loss of parking. It seems crazy to me."
Councillor Dugmore received a round of applause after his speech. His proposal to defer the application was seconded by Councillor Veronica Fletcher, but was defeated when put to the vote.
Councillor Gillian Reynolds said: "There are no reasons to reject this application. We have to trust in our officers to do the best job they can for the whole of the borough."
Councillors also agreed to delegate authority to officers for the planned new school on the site of Lord Silkin School.
