Special school plans blocked over road safety fears

Developers wanted to build the school on land off Conquest Drove on the outskirts of Farcet

Plans for a new school for children with special education needs have been refused over road safety concerns.

Huntingdonshire District Council has blocked the scheme on land off Conquest Drove on the outskirts of Farcet.

It said the proposed location meant there would be no way for pupils to walk safely to the school.

The developer had argued it would offer a "unique facility" to meet "much needed special educational needs".

The Conquest Drove SEN School was proposed to be a one-storey building for up to 25 young people aged between seven and 18, who had learning disabilities.

The application to build the new school was submitted to the district council by Danex Properties Ltd.

The plans said: “We provide tailored programmes, therapeutic environments and through our highly dedicated and experienced educational members we empower individuals to progress to achieve their personal best.”

However, concerns about the location of the proposed school and potential road safety issues were raised by Farcet Parish Council.

The parish council said: “It is a single track with very few passing places.

“This would see an increase in traffic during peak school times, as potentially each student could attend via their own transport.

“The road currently has no lighting, and while this may not affect the students, it could impact the safe access of those employed by the school.”

'Detrimental impacts on highway safety'

The district council said it could result in “detrimental impacts on highway safety” due to the “limited information” provided by the developer.

The authority said: “Furthermore given the detachment of the site from Farcet and absence of connecting pedestrian infrastructure, there would likely be a high degree of reliance on car journeys to and from the site.

“The benefits of the proposed development are not considered to outweigh the harm caused by the proposal in this instance.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reports the planning application to build the school was refused by the district council based on these concerns.

The developer can appeal the decision if they want to, but must do so within six months of the decision being issued by the district council.