Footpaths to shut as new school plan unveiled

A map has been released revealing the extent of the site for the new school

Six footpaths are to be shut to make way for a new school that has been given the go-ahead by Stoke-on-Trent City Council.

Planning permission has been approved for The Florence MacWilliams Academy to be built on land previously part of Longton High School and the former Meir Sports and Social Club.

A report considered by the Public Rights of Way Panel (PRWP) on Tuesday, revealed the the school's construction would affect "multiple rights of way that cross the site".

Two other paths are to be diverted as part of the development plans. the report indicated.

It adds that the proposal is supported by the Peak and Northern Footpath Society and the councillor for Longton and Meir Hay South has expressed no concerns.

'Not much of a loss'

"[The footpaths] will also benefit from surface improvements so they are accessible to the wider community in all but the worst of weather, so contributing to the health of the local community and would provide a more sustainable option for pupils to attend the school than short car journeys.”

Members of the PRWP backed the changes, despite highlighting that nearby residents would lose a number of short cuts.

Councillor Andy Platt, who chaired the hearing on Tuesday, said: “There are a lot of rights of way crossing over the site and some have to be diverted.

"There is not much of a loss, but it will obviously affect some people.

“I think there is a concern about it amongst members, but for people closer to it there are no concerns and I think it would be a bit awkward for us to go against that. We accept it reluctantly but we record our concerns.”